As temperatures are expected to soar past 100 degrees this weekend, Long Beach has issued a heat alert and extended hours at its six cooling centers.
A heat alert is issued when the weather forecast exceeds 95 degrees for two consecutive days or an overnight high of 80 degrees for two consecutive nights. The Weather Channel has forecasted highs for Long Beach are 96 degrees on Thursday, 96 on Friday, and 98 on Saturday and Sunday.
Residents are strongly encouraged to take extra precautions to avoid heat exposure and heat-related illness and seek out air-conditioned spaces during peak heat hours.
Select community centers at parks and all Long Beach Public Library locations are available as designated cooling centers during their normal business hours. Residents are advised to contact community centers and library locations ahead of time to confirm they are open in the case of unexpected closures.
The following community centers’ cooling centers will be open for extended hours from Thursday through Sunday:
- Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.)
- Thursday, Sept. 5, through Friday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- El Dorado Park (2800 Studebaker Road)
- Thursday, Sept. 5, through Friday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.)
- Thursday, Sept. 5, through Friday, Sept. From 6, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- McBride Park – California Recreation Community Center (1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.)
- Thursday, Sept. 5, through Friday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Long Beach Senior Center (1150 E. Fourth Street)
- Thursday, Sept. 5, through Friday, Sept. 6, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Additionally, the Long Beach Multi-Service Center (MSC), located at 1301 W. 12th St., will extend hours to provide a respite from the heat for people experiencing homelessness. Case management will only be offered during standard MSC hours.
The extended hours are as follows:
- Thursday, Sept. 5 through Friday, Sept. 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The following cooling centers will remain open for their standard hours:
- Admiral Kidd Park Community Center 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Cesar E. Chavez Park Community Center 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Drake Park Center 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Freeman Community Center 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- MacArthur Park 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Park Community Center 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Orizaba Park Community Center 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Stearns Champions Park Community Center 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Veterans Park Community Center 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
During this excessive heat, people are encouraged to check on friends, family and neighbors who are home-bound to make sure they are not affected by the heat. Older adults, those with chronic illnesses, infants and young children are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses. However, anyone can suffer heat illness and should take precautions to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and injury.
Stay Cool
- Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Limit activities, when possible, to morning and evening hours.
- Spend peak heat hours (noon to 6 p.m.) in air-conditioning or take a cool shower or bath.
Hydrate
- Drink plenty of fluids; don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Stay away from alcohol, caffeine and very sugary drinks; they can be dehydrating.
- Replace salt and minerals lost during sweating with sports drinks or salty snacks.
- Make sure pets have plenty of water.
- If you have a chronic health condition, are on water pills or have been advised to limit water by your doctor, check in with your health care provider for guidance.
Protect Against Heat-Related Illness
- Apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Make sure pets have access to shade and water.
- Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.
- Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or asleep in direct sunlight.
Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Get medical help right away if a person’s temperature rises to 103 degrees or above; if a person loses consciousness; if they experience a fast, strong pulse; or if other symptoms last longer than one hour or worsen. In addition to those listed above, signs of heat-related illness include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale and clammy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
Swimming pools are a popular way to cool off, but it is important to provide entry-proof barriers around pools and spas and always provide adult supervision while children are near water.
To learn more, visit longbeach.gov/extremeheat or call 562.570.7907. People are also encouraged to follow the Health Department on Facebook, X and Instagram.
