National Weather Service forecasts heat wave in City of Los Angeles
The San Fernando Valley is expected to see triple-digit temperatures.
July 9, 2012
MEDIA CONTACTS
Chris Ipsen (213) 359-2234
Veronica Hendrix (213) 505-5461
The National Weather Service forecasts extremely hot weather across the Los Angeles area throughout the week starting today. The peak of the heat wave is expected to occur Tuesday through Wednesday. Temperatures are forecasted to reach triple digits in the San Fernando Valley and near the mountain areas. Woodland Hills and Porter Ranch - both located in the San Fernando Valley - could see temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the peak of the expected heat.
Low humidity and high temperatures raise health and fire concerns. Because of the dry winter Southern California experienced this year, there are multiple dry brush areas in the mountain regions. A Red Flag warning has been issued for the Los Angeles County mountain areas through this evening. While a Red Flag warning has not been issued in the City of Los Angeles, it is suggested that those living near brush areas clear the brush around their homes and make sure they have an evacuation and emergency plan in place. Visit readyla.org, the City’s readiness, response and recovery website, for more information.
Cooling Centers
Designated City facilities are used as cooling centers to provide the public with relief from the heat. City facilities are always open to the public during regular business hours. Those facilities include Recreation and Parks (RAP) facilities, senior citizen centers operated by RAP, as well as City libraries. During periods of high temperatures, the City may extend the hours of such facilities beyond regular business hours. At this time, the City has not extended any facility hours beyond normal business hours.
For more information regarding City facilities, contact the following:
3-1-1 during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., daily
Senior centers: (323) 816-6712 or visit http://www.laparks.org/dos/senior/senior.htm
Libraries: (213) 228-7000 or visit http://www.lapl.org/branches/
Recreation and Parks Centers: (323) 816-6712 or visiting www.laparks.org
Note: Hours vary by facility. Please check with the facility for their current hours of operation.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reports no power outages at this time. Power outages can be reported by calling DWP’s Customer Service Line at 1-800-DIALDWP (342-5397).
Residents who require power to run medical or other life saving equipment can contact DWP’s Customer Service Line at 1-800-DIALDWP (342-5397), or go to www.ladwp.com for more information about their Lifeline Services Program.
Tips to Beat the Heat
During periods of extreme heat, there is an increased risk of heat exhaustion, heat cramps and sunstroke. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself against extreme heat:
- Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Attempt to stay hydrated. Persons who have epilepsy; heart, kidney or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- Check on family members, seniors, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers.
- Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
- Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.
EMD Social Media and Information Sites
- Twitter (twitter.com/readyla)
- Facebook (facebook.com/readylaemd)
- readyla.org
- emergency.lacity.org
- EMD Information Help Line (800) 439-2909
About the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department:
In 2000 the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor established, by ordinance, the Emergency Management Department (EMD). EMD is dedicated to leading the City in comprehensive emergency management planning, mitigation and preparation as well as response to and recovery from natural, manmade and accidental incidents of high consequence.
Photo Credit: sakeeb/ Flickr Creative Commons
