With temperatures reaching 104 degrees and higher during the heat wave in the San Gabriel Foothills this week, residents need to use common sense and imagination to stay cool and avoid heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. For information, symptoms, and first aid treatment of heat-related illnesses, read “Triple digits: Heat-related symptoms must be treated quickly to avoid complications” in this column.
Most of the older homes in the foothills area do not have air conditioning, and it can be as hot inside as out. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) provides “cooling centers” for those who lack air conditioning and cannot tolerate the extreme heat. Cooling centers in the West San Gabriel Foothills are listed at the end of this article.
Advice from the director of the L.A. County Department of Public Health
In a news release of July 14, Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer, advises, "While people don't need to be told it's hot outside, they do need to be reminded to take care of themselves, children, the elderly, and pets when the weather gets hotter. When temperatures are high, prolonged sun exposure may cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
"Never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in vehicles, even with the windows 'cracked' or opened, because temperatures inside can quickly rise to life- threatening levels and California Law makes it illegal to leave children alone in a car."
Tips from the Department of Public Health
• Wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Drink water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks often (do not wait until you are thirsty), and avoid drinking sweetened drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Offer help to those in your neighborhood with limited access to air conditioning and transportation, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently or take them to a location with air conditioning.
• During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you don't have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool.
• Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun hours, if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.
• Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from sun damage. And remember sun screen and sun glasses.
Homespun advice to beat the heat
Altadenan Lola Fall sends along some imaginative homespun suggestions for beating the heat, including
• Ball up and soak a t-shirt in the sink, wring it out, put it on.
• Fill your bathtub with cool water and get in.
• To quickly cool off, soak your feet in a bucket of cold water.
• Point a fan into a large bowl or platter filled with ice water and ice cubes, or frozen water bottles.
• Turn off the hot stuff. Switch off your computer and lights when not in use.
• Think cool. Read books about climbing Mount Everest, visiting Norway, or watch "March of the Penguins", "Ice Age", or "The Day After Tomorrow". You might not be physically cooler, but if your mind envisions a cold environment, you might feel a bit cooler.
Cooling center locations the West San Gabriel Foothills
It is recommended that readers call first to get operating hours and ensure the closest one is open and has seating available. For additional locations, download a pdf listing all centers in Los Angeles County or call 211.
Altadena Senior Center
560 E. Mariposa St., Altadena
(626)798-4971
Arcadia Senior Center
365 Campus Drive, Arcadia
(626)574-5130
Glendale Parks and Recreation Community Services
201 E. Colorado Blvd., Glendale
(818)548-3775
Pasadena Senior Center
85 E. Holly St., Pasadena
(626)795-4331
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