The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is advising residents to take precautions against the heat due to the National Weather Service’s forecast that hot weather will affect much of southern California for the next several days.
Residents should practice heat precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illness, especially while participating in outdoor activities. The elderly, people with chronic illnesses, infants and young children are at greater risk for heat-related conditions. However, everyone should take precautions to reduce the risk of heat-related illness:
• Remain hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after outdoor activities
• Take frequent breaks while working or playing outdoors
• Wear loose-fitting, light clothing; wear a hat while outside
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid beverages that have caffeine or alcohol
• Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day; limit time outside during peak heat
• Pace physical activities, starting slowly and picking up the pace gradually
• Seek air-conditioned environments during peak heat at stores, malls, theaters, libraries or parks and recreation centers
• Check on frail elderly or home-bound individuals to make sure they are not affected by the heat
• Move to a cooler location at first sign of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps); rest and slowly drink a cool liquid
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or asleep in the direct sunlight
• Make sure pets have plenty of shade and water to drink
Health officials are reminding residents that the City has many public facilities that are air-conditioned and available for residents to cool off. Call (562) 570-3140 for information on nearby park centers, or (562) 570-7500 for the closest library. For more information on how to stay healthy during hot weather, visit the Health Department’s website at longbeach.gov/health.
