The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for October 2 through October 8 for multiple parts of the county.

The warning covers the following areas: Catalina; Santa Clarita Valley; Malibu Coast; Los Angeles County Beaches; Palos Verdes Hills; Los Angeles Inland Coast; West Santa Monica Mountains; East Santa Monica Mountains; Calabasas/Agoura Hills; West San Fernando Valley; East San Fernando Valley; Santa Susana Mountains; and San Gabriel Valley.

Public Health recommends simple steps to prevent heat-related illness: stay hydrated all day; plan outdoor activity to avoid the hottest hours; wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat or use an umbrella; use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher; and keep living spaces cool or go to an air-conditioned location if you cannot cool your home.

Never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even briefly; cars heat up quickly. The county said to call 911 if you see a child or pet alone in a vehicle.

Call 911 right away for any one of these signs of serious heat illness: confusion; fainting or passing out; hot, red skin (may be dry or damp); high body temperature (103°F or higher); a fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; or nausea.

The county advised checking neighborhood risk using the NWS HeatRisk map and the NWS’ Understand HeatRisk guidance; the HeatRisk calculation combines current forecasts, historical climate data and social-vulnerability data to show local heat impact.

County and city partners will operate free cooling centers, splash pads and community pools during the heat; residents without air conditioning are encouraged to use those spaces. To find locations, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat or call 211.

The county said 211 LA County is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency preparedness information and referrals. The county also posts updates and tips at its extreme heat website and on social media under the handle @lapublichealth .

Sources & methodology

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County of Los Angeles

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