The County Health Officer is issuing a Public Health Alert due to the National Weather Service’s forecast that hot weather will affect much of southwestern California today and into the week. Temperatures are expected to go above 100 degrees in parts of the desert, mountain, and valley areas of Los Angeles County. Air quality is also a concern, as the South Coast Air Quality Management District states air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive persons in the Santa Clarita Valley. Individuals living in this area with heart disease, asthma or other lung disease should minimize outdoor activity. Poor air quality can make people even more susceptible to heat-related illness.
While people don’t need to be told it’s hot outside, they do need to be reminded how to take care of themselves, children, the elderly, and their pets when the weather gets this hot," said Jonathan E. Fielding, M.D., M.P.H., Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "When the temperature is this high, prolonged sun exposure may cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Also, never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in closed vehicles, since temperatures can quickly rise to life-threatening levels."
If you plan to be outdoors, please take precautions to protect yourself from the heat. Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be removed to a cooler, shaded place and given water or sport drinks. More severe symptoms such as diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke and require immediate medical attention.
The County of Los Angeles has several cooling centers available for seniors or those looking for a place to beat the heat. A list of these centers can be found at www.ladcss.org.