Long Beach – Since weather forecasts predict peak temperatures to be in the low to mid 90s for the next 2 days, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), is reminding Long Beach residents to play it safe and protect themselves from heat related illness.  Although it will not be as hot as the heat wave of last September, people are not used to the hot weather as yet due to the relatively cool temperatures we’ve been experiencing recently.  People will need to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat.  The elderly, people with chronic illnesses and infants and young children are at greater risk for heat related conditions, however everyone should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion:

• 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 if you’ll be 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; Long Beach’s Parks and Recreation Centers are designated as "cooling centers", or air-conditioned areas that people may escape the heat, but any air-conditioned environment (stores, malls, libraries, etc.) will do;
• 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.