The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat warning for the San Fernando Valley effective today, July 11, 2012, at 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. Thursday, July 12, 2012. It is predicted that temperatures will peak Thursday. By Friday, July 13, 2012, temperatures will begin to drop. All Recreation and Parks (RAP) facilities, libraries and city-operated senior centers are used as cooling centers to provide the public with relief from the heat and can be accessed during normal business hours. To find a cooling center near you, call 3-1-1.

However, excessive heat warnings issued by the NWS prompt the City of Los Angeles to extend the hours of specified cooling centers in the areas most impacted by the heat.

The following cooling centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.:

Sunland Senior Citizen

8640 Fenwick St., Sunland, CA 91040

(818) 353-9571

Canoga Senior Citizen

7326 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91303

(818) 340-2633

Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center

(formally Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Senior Center)

5060 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

(818) 981-1284

North Hollywood Recreation Center

11430 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601

(818) 763-7651

Sylmar Recreation Center

13109 Borden Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342

(818) 367-5656

Sepulveda Recreation Center

8801 Kester Ave., Panorama City, CA 91402

(818) 893-3700

LADWP Update:

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) requests customers report power outages 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. 

Since energy use does tend to spike during periods of hot weather, the DWP offers a few ways to conserve energy during this heat wave:

• Turn off lights when not in use.
• Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce energy usage.
• Limit the use of appliances during peak hours of the day — use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during evening hours.
• Try to avoid cooking during peak hours of the day since it will add to the heat inside the home.
• Ventilate your home at night by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate.

Follow these tips to help beat the 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 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 Helpline (800) 439-2909 
• L.A. City 3-1-1 Information Line (8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.)

Photo Credit: Muffet/Flickr Creative Commons