So much for fall weather.

A heat wave in the region has prompted Long Beach health officials to provide a few helpful tips for residents to beat the heat and avoid injury and illness.

With the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasting highs from 95 to the low 100s in parts of the city, Long Beach’s health officer is advising residents to take precautions throughout this week, especially today, September 26 and tomorrow, September 27.

“It’s important for people to be familiar with and practice heat precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illness and injury, especially while participating in outdoor activities,” said Long Beach Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis in a statement.

Some recommended precautions to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and injury include:

• Seeking air-conditioned environments like the stores, malls, theaters and Parks, Recreation and Marine Community Centers.
• Checking on elderly residents or home-bound individuals to ensure they are not affected by the heat.
• Remaining hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after outdoor activities.
• Never leaving your child or pet in a parked car or asleep in the direct sunlight.
• Making sure pets have plenty of shade and water to drink.
• Taking breaks while working or playing outdoors.
• Wearing loose-fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face, ears and neck while outside.
• Applying sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapplying every two hours to prevent skin cancer.
• Drinking plenty of fluids, but avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• Planning outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day to limit time outside during peak heat.
• Pacing physical activities by starting slow and gradually picking up pace.
• Wearing sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection to prevent cataracts from chronic sun exposure.
• Moving to a cooler location at first sign of heat illness, such as dizziness, nausea, headaches and muscle cramps, resting and slowly drinking a cool liquid.
• Preventing 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.