City declares heat alert for rest of the week
Officials are asking residents to take extra precautions with temperatures forecast to hit the mid-90s to low 100s.
With the National Weather Service forecasting temperatures rising to the low 100s in parts of the city through this weekend, Long Beach officials issued a heat alert Tuesday.
That means all city parks, recreation and marine community centers and public library locations are open as cooling centers during normal business hours, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
City officials are asking residents to call community centers and library locations ahead of time to confirm they are open, in case of unexpected closures.
"People are encouraged to check on friends, family and neighbors who are home-bound to make sure they are not affected by the heat," health officials said in a statement Tuesday.
Though older adults, those with chronic illnesses, infants and young children are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses, anyone can suffer heat illness and should take precautions, city officials said.
These precautions include the following:
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing;
- Limit activities, if possible, to the morning and evening;
- Spend peak heat hours (noon to 6 p.m.) in air-conditioning or take a cool shower or bath;
- Drink lots of fluids, even before you’re thirsty;
- Stay away from alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks;
- Replace salt and minerals lost during sweating with sports drinks or salty snacks;
- Make sure pets have access to shade and plenty of water. Be aware that asphalt can burn pets’ paws;
- If you have a chronic health condition, are taking water pills or have been advised to limit water by your doctor, ask your health care provider for guidance;
- Apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours;
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat;
- Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection;
- Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or asleep in direct sunlight.
Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache and confusion, according to health officials.
You should seek medical help immediately if a person’s temperature rises to 103 or above; if they lose consciousness; if they experience a fast, strong pulse; or if symptoms last longer than one hour or worsen, city officials said.
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