Summer may have only begun a week ago, but temperatures in the San Fernando Valley have already risen significantly. Just this past weekend, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued heat advisories for the valley.
The heat may have tempered off a bit in the past few days, but more triple-digit weather is expected. Commuters taking public transportation have been seeking refuge underneath bus shelters instead of waiting on sidewalks. Some walk with umbrellas to provide some relief from the sun, while others use the shade provided by trees to cool off.
The summer heat and dry brush also bring fire danger. Illegal fireworks are already being set off. The LA Fire Department held a press conference on Wednesday, June 26, to urge Angelenos to only attend professional fireworks shows or drone displays, and to avoid using fireworks themselves.
Staying safe this summer isn’t limited to fireworks. The season brings along the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which occurs when the body is unable to properly cool itself. This can result in damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Fortunately, cooling centers are provided at several locations in the county, including the City of San Fernando.
The recreation center at Las Palmas Park, on 505 S. Huntington St., was opened as a cooling center on Saturday, June 22. The center is open daily as usual, but when the temperature exceeds 99 degrees, it’s activated as a cooling center, in which an area is designated for people to cool off. These areas will be air-conditioned, and patrons will have access to water.
“I believe [cooling centers] are crucial,” said Julio Salcedo, director of Recreation and Community Services for the City of San Fernando. “We serve a large senior citizen population. We also serve a large children population, and when temperatures reach that high, those are the two populations that feel the effects the most.”
Salcedo added that not everyone has the luxury of an air-conditioning unit at home, so the city wants to make sure that all residents have the option to go to a cool and safe space.
The center at San Fernando Recreation Park will also serve as a cooling center, but due to scheduled activities and programs taking up space, it won’t be activated until July 1.
Anyone who needs a lift to either of the cooling centers can hop on the trolley system for free, which runs every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
City of San Fernando residents can also have some fun in the water by heading to the nearby San Fernando Regional Pool and Aquatics Center. It includes a large water slide, spray features and a splash pad. For the more competitive swimmers or those looking to exercise outside without burning up under the sun, the Olympic size pool offers long lanes for more extensive lap swimming.
Knowing how to prevent heat-related illnesses is especially important as temperatures continue to rise. Thankfully, there are some helpful tips you can follow on days of extreme heat.
Always remember to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is vital during summer, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you have access to an air-conditioned building, remain inside whenever possible.
If you do need to go outside, try to avoid doing any strenuous activities during peak heat hours. Apply plenty of sunscreen and wear lightweight, light-colored clothes; wearing a hat or using an umbrella can also help.
Do not ever leave children or pets alone in cars. Even if the windows are open, the car becomes very hot inside. In the event you do see a pet or child in a car alone, call 911.
Many people are at risk for heat-related illnesses, including those with chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children, pets, people who live alone and outdoor workers. If someone you know is at risk, be sure to check on them regularly.
MySafe:LA released a PSA on the dangers of fireworks to the community that can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tChB_YDE3IE.
More pools that are open throughout the San Fernando Valley can be found at https://www.laparks.org/aquatic/summer-pool.
To find other cooling centers throughout LA County, go to https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/.
To learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, visit https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/index.html.
Stay safe and cool during extreme heat by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak sun hours. Use fans or air conditioning, and seek shade when outdoors. Check on vulnerable individuals, like the elderly and young children. Recognize signs of heatstroke and act quickly if needed.