Los Angeles County Public Health warns residents to take precautions as extreme heat continues through Tuesday

Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is urging residents to take extra precautions as dangerously hot weather continues across much of the region. Health officials are reminding people that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to serious illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps.

The warning comes after the National Weather Service (NWS) extended a Heat Advisory for numerous parts of Los Angeles County through Tuesday, July 14.

Communities included in the advisory are the Santa Clarita Valley, West San Fernando Valley, East San Fernando Valley, Santa Susana Mountains, Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor, East San Gabriel Mountains, San Gabriel Valley, Northwest Los Angeles County Mountains, and the Los Angeles Inland Coast.

Officials said a Heat Advisory is issued when high temperatures are expected to cause discomfort and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for people who are more vulnerable.

Public urged to stay cool and watch for signs of heat illness

Public Health officials recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding dehydration. Residents who must spend time outdoors are encouraged to schedule activities outside the hottest part of the day whenever possible. Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, using sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and protecting yourself with a hat or umbrella can also help reduce heat exposure.

Officials also warned about the dangers of parked vehicles, noting that temperatures inside a car can quickly become deadly, even if the windows are partially open.

Residents are reminded never to leave children or pets unattended inside vehicles. Anyone who sees a child or pet left alone in a vehicle should immediately call 911.

For those without air conditioning, Public Health recommends taking cool showers or baths, limiting the use of stoves and ovens to keep homes cooler, and visiting libraries, shopping malls, cooling centers, or other air-conditioned public buildings. Residents needing help locating a nearby cooling center can call 211.

County and city agencies have opened cooling centers, splash pads, and community pools to help residents safely manage the high temperatures. Officials encourage anyone without reliable air conditioning to take advantage of these free resources during the heat event.

Health officials are also asking residents to check regularly on family members, friends, neighbors, and others who may face a greater risk during extreme heat. This includes older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, young children, individuals living alone, outdoor workers, athletes, and pets.

The department stressed that everyone should learn to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms requiring immediate emergency medical attention include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, dizziness, nausea, fainting, headache, confusion, a rapid and strong pulse, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should receive emergency medical care immediately by calling 911.

Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis emphasized the seriousness of extreme heat.

“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,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “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’s HeatRisk tool to better understand conditions in their local area. The system evaluates more than just temperature by considering how unusual the heat is for the season, how long the hot weather is expected to last, overnight temperatures, historical climate information, and health risk data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, can contact 211 at any time for emergency preparedness information, referrals, and assistance finding cooling resources.

Public Health officials said residents can also stay informed by visiting the county’s extreme heat website, signing up for heat advisories, and following @lapublichealth on social media for the latest updates and safety guidance throughout the heat event.