LOS ANGELES – With a significant heatwave approaching, Mayor Karen Bass today issued the following statement and urged Angelenos to be aware of resources the City is providing to help people stay cool.
“On the heels of Tropical Storm Hilary, we are now bracing for a significant heatwave, but as was the case last week, we are making sure we are prepared in advance. I urge Angelenos to take note of the City resources we will have in place to help them stay cool as temperatures may soar into triple digits,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “We are making sure cooling centers are available citywide, and are ensuring our most vulnerable neighborhoods have safe places to avoid the heat.”
Mayor Bass noted that extreme heat is a primary climate hazard for Los Angeles and can gravely impact people’s health. Hotter, longer heat waves in Los Angeles that now extend into mid-November are examples of how climate change is affecting L.A. Extreme heat sends more people to the hospital and causes more deaths than any other climate hazard in Los Angeles.
She added that the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety is working to coordinate with the Emergency Management Department, LAFD, LAPD, Recreation and Parks, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and other City Departments to ensure all departments are ready to respond to this heatwave.
Action the City is taking to help keep Angelenos cool:
Opening Cooling Centers
The City of Los Angeles is opening the following cooling centers, which will be open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday:
Lake View Terrace Recreation Center
Mid Valley Senior Center
Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center (SOVAC)
Lincoln Heights Senior Center
Fred Roberts Recreation Center
Jim Gilliam Recreation Center
Cooling centers will have reasonable accommodations and be accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
In addition, Angelenos may find respite from the heat at all Recreation and Parks facilities and library branches during their normal business hours. For location and hours, see https://www.laparks.org/reccenter and https://www.lapl.org/branches.
Angelenos can also call 3-1-1 from within L.A. City or use the links in this release to find out more about cooling center locations and hours of operation.
Climate stations are now open and running in Skid Row and are free, designated areas for Skid Row residents to stay cool. Urban Alchemy staff will help provide a safe environment with cold beverages, seating and activities:
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Towne St. (between 5th St. & 6th St.) across the street from the ReFresh Spot.
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San Pedro St. mid-block between 6th St. & 7th St.
Tips To Avoid Heat Injury:
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Seek shade and refuge from the hot sun if you must be outside.
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Stay hydrated and drink more water, especially if you drink coffee or soda.
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Check in on and prepare your household, family, friends, pets and workplace.
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Limit your exposure to direct sunlight between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest.
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If you feel ill, tell someone immediately. Symptoms of dehydration and heat illness may include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, nausea, muscle cramps, headache and vomiting.
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If you have the symptoms above and are no longer sweating, call 911.
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Listen to your body, and remember that those with chronic illness such as asthma, heart disease etc., are more vulnerable to extreme heat. Please take extra precautions.
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Click here for more safety tips from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Reducing Risk from Power Outages
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is also working to reduce the risk of power outages in Los Angeles. LADWP will work around the clock to meet customer demand over the period of the heat wave. LADWP electric trouble crews are fully staffed and ready to respond to power outages, should they occur. Additional crews are also on standby to assist as needed. As part of a new program launched this year, LADWP will not be initiating power shutoffs for all customers during extreme heat and cold weather events due to delinquent bills.
In the event of a power outage:
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Report power outages at www.ladwp.com/outages or by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
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LADWP customers can sign up to receive outage alerts via text or email at www.ladwp.com/outagealert.
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LADWP also shares updates on outage restoration progress on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, @LADWP and NextDoor.com.
To find out more about LADWP’s rebates and programs, click here.
The City’s Heat Relief4 LA Campaign & Early Warning:
The Mayor’s Office and the City of L.A. Chief Heat Officer are working in sync with City Departments and Bureaus, with L.A. County and a network of NGOs, to build awareness and prepare for extreme heat risks in a proactive, coordinated, and equity-driven approach. The City recently released a heat safety campaign, Heat Relief 4 LA, which includes information in multiple languages to keep Angelenos safe during extreme heat events this summer. Learn more here. The City of L.A. Climate Emergency Mobilization Office also has a Cool Spots L.A. app that maps heat relief locations in L.A. like cooling centers, community pools and splash pads, hydration stations and more. Read more here. Angelenos are also encouraged to sign up for NotifyLA.org, to receive Heat and adverse weather alerts on your phone.
Opening Our Pools & Splash Pads
The Department of Recreation and Parks will offer these facilities during hours of operation to the public. Click here for more information.
Keeping Animals Safe in the Heat
The Los Angeles Department Animal Services offers these tips to keep your animals safe in the heat:
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Never leave your pet alone inside of a vehicle. A car can overheat even when a window has been slightly opened.
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Give your pet extra water. Always make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink. If your pet enjoys ice cubes, add them to their water dish.
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Keep pets indoors (if possible) during hot weather, but if you keep them outside, ensure there's shade for them to escape the sun to cool off and that they have plenty of fresh water to drink.
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Avoid hot surfaces. Touch the ground first before venturing out. If the surface is too hot to touch with your hand or bare feet, it's too hot for your pet's paws.
For more information about LA Animal Services and tips to keep pets and people safe, click here.