11:55am | The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is advising residents to take precautions against the hot weather forecasted for the region beginning today and expected to last until next Thursday, July 7.
The National Weather Service is forecasting Long Beach temperatures to reach the mid 80s to lower 90s.
Residents are reminded to be safe and practice heat precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illness and injury, especially while participating in outdoor activities. The elderly, people with chronic illnesses, infants and young children are at greater risk for heat-related conditions. All those who spend time outdoors should take precautions to reduce the risk of heat related illness and injury.
Suggested precautions include:
- 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 wide-brimmed hat to cover the face, ears and neck if you’ll be outside;
- Apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours — sunscreen prevents skin cancer;
- Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid beverages that have caffeine or alcohol;
- Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day and limit time outside during peak heat;
- Pace physical activities, starting slowly and picking up the pace gradually;
- Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection — chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.
- Seek air-conditioned environments during peak heat at stores, malls, theaters, etc.;
- Check on frail elderly or home-bound individuals to make sure they are not affected by the heat;
- Move to a cooler location at the first sign of heat-related 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;
- Prevent children from drowning by providing adult supervision at all times and having an entry-proof barrier that surrounds the pool or spa;
- Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions — mosquitoes can carry diseases such as the West Nile virus and usually bite in the early morning and evening, so it is important to wear repellent during these times.
For more information on how to stay healthy during hot weather please visit the Health Department’s website at LongBeach.gov/health.