Excessive Heat Warning for San Fernando Valley

Dear Friends, 

The National Weather Service forecasts a prolonged period of hot and very dry conditions this week with potential record heat Tuesday, May 13, 2014, through Thursday, May 15, 2014. Temperatures in the San Fernando Valley could climb over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The relative humidity will make temperatures feel even hotter.

A Red Flag Condition has been issued for the Los Angeles City. Red Flag Restricted Parking will be in effect from Tuesday, May 13, 2014, 8:00 a.m. to Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 8:00 a.m. or until further notice. For more information regarding LAFD’s Red Flag Parking Program go to http://lafd.org/redflag/ or call 3-1-1.

Cooling Facilities 

City facilities will be utilized as cooling centers to provide the public with relief from the heat. City facilities are open to the public during regular business. During periods of high temperatures, the City may extend the hours of facilities beyond regular business hours. City facilities are physically accessible, and upon request, will provide auxiliary aids and services for program access and effective communication.

To help Angelenos during this period of excessive heat, City Libraries will be open until 8:00.pm nightly through Thursday May 15, and until 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 16. Click here for a complete list of cooling centers.

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 are on fluid-restricted diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing fluid intake.

• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, when in the sun and use sunscreen.

• Check on family members, seniors, friends and neighbors and people with disabilities and other access and functional needs who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

• During excessive heat, older adults and seniors are encouraged to use their air conditioning or open windows or use fans to remain cool. They can also seek refuse from the heat at the many City Senior Citizen Centers or Libraries.

• Never leave children in closed vehicles. It is illegal to leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle (California Vehicle Code Section 15620). Infants and young children can get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure they are given plenty of cool water to drink. Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible. Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing.

• 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.

• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.

Pet Safety in Extreme Heat

• Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows ‘cracked’ or open.

Outdoor animals should be given plenty of shade and clean drinking water. Do not leave pets outside in the sun. Pets should not be left in a garage as garages can get very hot due to lack of ventilation and insulation.

• If your pet spends time in the yard, make sure he or she has access to shade. Shaded trees, a covered patio or a cool spot under the porch can help keep your pet comfortable.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Should power outages occur, residents who require power to run medical or other lifesaving equipment can contact DWP’s Customer Service Line at 1-800-DIALDWP (342-5397), or go visit  www.ladwp.com on your smartphone for more information about their Lifeline Services Program.

To learn more preparedness tips, visit www.readyla.org, the City’s official readiness, response and recovery website. Sign up to have emergency notifications sent to you whether at home or on the go atwww.alert.lacounty.gov. 

All the Best,

Mitch