Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Mitchell Kushner has officially advised residents to take precautions against the heat this week, with temperatures forecasted to be in the low-to-mid-90s, urging those expecting to work or play outdoors to take extra care.
“Southern California will be experiencing high temperatures through Friday of this week,” Kushner said in a statement. “[…] Certain groups, such as the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, infants and young children, are at greater risk for heat-related illness. It’s particularly important for individuals to seek air-conditioned environments during peak heat, such as stores, malls, libraries, community centers, and theaters.”
Kushner also urged residents to “remember to check in on those who might be more vulnerable to heat related illness.”
Specific precautions residents are urged to take 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; 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
- 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
- Take care of pets! Make sure they have plenty of shade and water to drink, walk dogs when the temperature is cooler, and make arrangements for pet care if you will be out of town (more summer safety tips for pets at www.longbeach.gov/acs)
- Prevent children from drowning by providing adult supervision at all times and having an entry-proof barrier that surrounds the pool or spa.
For more information on how to stay healthy during hot weather, please visit the Health Department’s website at www.longbeach.gov/health. Should the City extend hours at community centers or other facilities for cooling centers, information will be posted on the Health Department’s website and through social media – www.facebook.com/lbdhhs and www.twitter.com/longbeachdhhs.
Above, left: file photo.