The Californer - City of Long Beach Issues a Heat Alert and Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Heat

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - As temperatures continue to rise in the coming days, Acting City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada has issued a Heat Alert for the community of Long Beach. The National Weather Service is forecasting high temperatures in the mid- to high-90s from Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 20.

In light of this alert, Dr. Okada is urging community members to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. This includes limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours (noon to 6 p.m.), staying hydrated, and seeking out air-conditioned spaces when possible.

To provide relief from the heat, all City Parks, Recreation and Marine Community Centers and Long Beach Public Library locations will serve as designated cooling centers during their normal business hours. However, it is advised to contact these locations beforehand in case of unexpected closures.

In addition, the Long Beach Multi-Service Center will extend its hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday. It should be noted that case management services will only be available until 4 p.m.

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Dr. Okada also encourages community members to check on friends, family and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as older adults, those with chronic illnesses, infants and young children.

To stay cool during this heat wave, it is recommended to wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Staying in air-conditioned spaces or taking cool showers can also help beat the heat.

Staying hydrated is crucial during hot weather. It is important to drink plenty of fluids even before feeling thirsty and avoid alcohol and caffeine which can cause dehydration. For those with chronic health conditions or on water pills, it is advised to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on water intake.

To protect against heat-related illnesses such as sunburns or heat exhaustion, it is recommended to apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. It is also important to provide shade and water for pets and never leave children or pets in parked cars or direct sunlight.

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Signs of heat-related illness include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, headache, and confusion. If a person's temperature rises to 103 degrees or above, they lose consciousness, experience a fast and strong pulse, or symptoms last longer than an hour or worsen, it is important to seek medical help immediately.

While swimming pools may seem like a refreshing way to cool off during hot weather, it is crucial to have entry-proof barriers around pools and spas and always supervise children near water.

To learn more about staying safe during extreme heat conditions, visit longbeach.gov/extremeheat. The Health Department also encourages the community to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

For media inquiries, please contact the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at HE-PublicAffairs@longbeach.gov.

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