City of Long Beach Issues a Heat Alert and Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Heat

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - Due to excessive temperatures forecasted Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 20, Acting City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada has issued a Heat Alert and is advising community members to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness. The National Weather Service is forecasting high temperatures in the mid- to high-90s.

All City Parks, Recreation and Marine Community Centers and Long Beach Public Library locations are available as designated cooling centers during their normal business hours. Please contact Community Centers and Library locations ahead of time to confirm they are open in the case of unexpected closures.

Additionally, the Long Beach Multi-Service Center will extend its standard hours on Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 20 and be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that case management will only be offered until 4 p.m.

People are encouraged to check on friends, family and neighbors who are home-bound to ensure 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 from heat illness. Please follow these tips to stay safe:

Stay Cool

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit activities to morning and evening hours when possible.
• Stay in air-conditioned spaces during peak heat hours (noon to 6 p.m.) or take cool showers or baths.

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 recommended 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. Be aware that asphalt can burn pets' paws.
• 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 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. People are also encouraged to follow the Health Department on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at [email protected].

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