Health officials warn Los Angeles County residents to prepare for several days of extreme heat and elevated health risks

Long Beach, California – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is urging residents to prepare for several days of dangerous heat as high daytime temperatures and unusually warm overnight conditions are expected to affect much of the region.

According to health officials, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory beginning Wednesday, July 22, and continuing through Monday, July 27. The advisory covers numerous communities across Los Angeles County where prolonged heat could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for people who are more vulnerable.

The advisory includes the Los Angeles Inland Coast, Santa Clarita Valley, the West and East Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains, Western and Eastern San Gabriel Mountains, the Highway 14 Corridor, Northwest Los Angeles County Mountains, the Malibu Coast, Los Angeles County beaches, the West and East San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and both the Eastern and Western Antelope Valley.

Health officials are encouraging residents to monitor conditions in their own neighborhoods by using the National Weather Service HeatRisk map, which provides location-specific information about expected heat impacts.

Officials warn that extreme heat can become life-threatening

Public Health officials stressed that taking simple precautions is the best way to reduce the risk of illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke, and even heat-related deaths.

Residents are encouraged to drink water throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty. Officials also recommend limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day whenever possible and wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing along with hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

People whose homes become too warm are encouraged to spend time in air-conditioned buildings or designated cooling centers until temperatures improve.

The department also reminded residents never to leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a short period. Officials warned that vehicle temperatures can rise rapidly, even when windows are partially open. Anyone who sees a child or pet left alone in a vehicle should immediately call 911.

Health officials are also asking residents to check regularly on neighbors, relatives, and friends who may face a higher risk during extreme heat. These groups include older adults, young children, pregnant women, people living with chronic medical conditions, individuals who live alone, outdoor workers, athletes, and anyone without access to air conditioning.

Cooling centers available throughout the county

For residents who do not have air conditioning, Public Health recommends taking cool showers or baths, limiting the use of ovens and stoves to keep homes cooler, and visiting air-conditioned locations such as libraries, shopping malls, or officially designated cooling centers.

Residents needing help locating a nearby cooling center, splash pad, or community pool can call 211, which operates around the clock, or visit the county’s extreme heat resources.

The county said local governments have prepared cooling centers that will operate safely during periods of extreme heat to provide relief for those who need it.

Recognizing the warning signs of heat illness

Officials emphasized that everyone should understand the symptoms of heat-related illness so they can respond quickly during an emergency.

Residents should call 911 immediately if someone experiences a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, confusion, passing out, dizziness, headache, nausea, a rapid and strong pulse, or hot, red skin, whether it is dry or damp.

Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said extreme heat remains one of the nation’s deadliest weather hazards.

“Heat causes more deaths in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined. Those most likely to get ill during the heat include older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and individuals with chronic medical conditions,” Davis said. “Remember, your safety and the safety of others is crucial during extreme heat conditions. If you or someone around you experiences symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or passing out, seek medical help immediately.”

Officials also encourage residents to use the National Weather Service HeatRisk tool to determine the level of heat risk in their specific community. The system evaluates more than just temperature by considering how unusual the heat is for the season, how long the hot conditions are expected to last, including overnight temperatures, and how those conditions may affect public health based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local social vulnerability data.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said residents can continue receiving updates by visiting the county’s extreme heat website, signing up for heat advisories, following @lapublichealth on social media, and calling 211 for emergency preparedness information, referrals, and assistance. Officials stressed that staying hydrated, staying cool, and watching out for one another remain the most effective ways to stay safe during the upcoming heat wave.