PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – With rising summer temperatures, some exceeding high heat index, City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis reminds residents to take precautions against the heat.  The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.

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. For more information, visit longbeach.gov/CoolingCenters.

People are encouraged to check on friends, family and neighbors who are home-bound to make sure 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 heat illness and should take precautions to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and injury.

Stay Cool

• Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit activities, when possible, to morning and evening hours.
• Spend peak heat hours (noon to 4 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.
• Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.
• Provide entry-proof barriers around pools and spas, as well as adult supervision while children are near water.
• 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

For more tips, visit: longbeach.gov/extremeheat and follow the Health Department on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, at 562.441.3590 or Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov.