Where to cool off in Long Beach during this week's heat wave

Another heat wave has arrived in California and it's expected to bring sweltering temperatures in the mid-90s to some parts of Long Beach this week.

The city's Department of Health and Human Services advised residents on Tuesday to take caution by taking advantage of city cooling centers and checking in on older adults, family and neighbors who may be home-bound.

"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," Jennifer Rice Epstein, a spokesperson for the health department wrote in a release Tuesday.

By Thursday, temperatures are expected to reach a high of 95 degrees, the Weather Channel reported. By Friday, temperatures could inch up to 97 degrees in some parts of Long Beach.

All Long Beach Public Library locations, except for the Bay Shore library in Belmont Shore, will also serve as cooling centers during normal business hours. Find a location here.

The following community centers will function as cooling centers from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays:

Residents are urged to call library and community center locations ahead of time to confirm the facility is open.

Many areas of Southern California will reach triple-digit temperatures, according to the National Weather Service. Woodland Hills, one of the hottest areas in L.A. County, was expected to reach 110 degrees on Thursday, forecasters said.

"Warm weather today will be followed by a dangerous heatwave for  
Tuesday through at least Friday," according to Tuesday's NWS forecast discussion. "Temperatures will start to trend downwards for the weekend, however even Sunday will be several degrees above normal."

Rice Epstein offered the following recommendations to beat the heat this week:

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 or above; if a person loses consciousness; if they experience 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 

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