City of Long Beach Issues Heat Alert and Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Heat
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - As temperatures continue to soar in Long Beach, City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada has issued a Heat Alert and is urging community members to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. The National Weather Service has forecasted high temperatures in the mid 90s, with humidity making it feel as hot as 117 degrees. This extreme heat poses a significant risk for heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations such as older adults, those with chronic illnesses, infants, and young children.

In response to the Heat Alert, the City Parks, Recreation and Marine Community Centers and Long Beach Public Library locations have been designated as cooling centers during their regular business hours. However, community members are advised to call ahead to confirm if these locations are open in case of unexpected closures.

To provide additional relief from the heat, the Long Beach Multi-Service Center will extend its operating hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 10. It is important to note that case management services will only be available until 4 p.m.

The extreme heat may also lead to power outages in the area. Southern California Edison's outage map can be viewed for updates on any potential outages.

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Dr. Okada emphasizes that everyone is at risk for heat-related illnesses and encourages community members to check on friends, family, and neighbors who may be home-bound or vulnerable to ensure their safety during this time.

To stay safe during this Heat Alert, Dr. Okada advises following these tips:

Stay Cool:

- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.

- Limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours (noon to 6 p.m.) or take cool showers or baths.

- Seek shelter in air-conditioned spaces when possible.

Hydrate:

- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

- Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can contribute to dehydration.

- Replenish lost salt and minerals with sports drinks or salty snacks.

- Ensure pets have access to water.

Protect Against Heat-Related Illness:

- Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher before going outside and reapply every two hours.

- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection.

- Provide shade and water for pets, as asphalt can burn their paws.

- Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or in direct sunlight.

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

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In addition to the risks of heat-related illnesses, the extreme heat can also increase the risk of food spoiling during power outages. The Health Department advises community members to follow these safety measures during and after a power outage to avoid foodborne illnesses:

Power Outage Food Safety:

- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain cold temperatures.

- Move perishable foods such as leftovers, milk, fresh meat, and poultry to the freezer to maintain safe temperatures for a longer period.

- Discard any perishable food that has been above 40 degrees for two hours or more. When in doubt, throw it out.

- Dispose of any perishable food in your refrigerator (meat, fish, milk) after four hours without power or a cold source.

Water Safety:

While swimming pools may seem like a refreshing way to cool off during this heatwave, it is important to take precautions. Always provide entry-proof barriers around pools and spas and ensure adult supervision when children are near water.

For more information on how to stay safe during this Heat Alert, visit longbeach.gov/extremeheat. The Health Department also encourages community members to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. Media inquiries can be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at HE-PublicAffairs@longbeach.gov.

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