Long Beach health officials on Tuesday announced extended operation hours at multiple community centers throughout the city in response to a heat wave expected to last through the week.

Multiple community centers throughout Long Beach will have extended hours of operation for the next three days in response to a heat wave expected to last through the week, Long Beach health officials announced Tuesday.

The following six locations will be open until 8:00PM on Tuesday, September 8, Wednesday, September 9, and Thursday, September 10:

  • Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Avenue
  • Silverado Community Center, 1545 West 31st Street
  • El Dorado West Community Center, 2800 Studebaker Road
  • Cesar Chavez Community Center, 401 Golden Avenue
  • McBride (Cal Rec) Community Center, 1550 Martin Luther King Avenue
  • Long Beach Senior Center, 1150 East 4th Street

In addition to these locations that serve as air-conditioned cooling centers, the public can also seek refuge at stores, malls, theaters and libraries (a list of library locations is available here).

The Department of Health and Human Services reminds residents to follow these tips to stay cool during high temperatures:

  • 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.
  • 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 here).
  • 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, and check for updates on social media – www.facebook.com/lbdhhs and www.twitter.com/longbeachdhhs.

Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.