In the face of climbing temperatures in Long Beach, city officials are urging residents to be cautious. According to an advisory issued by the Long Beach Health Department, the National Weather Service anticipates highs in the mid-90s on Thursday, Sept. 5, and Friday, Sept. 6. City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis advised taking extra measures to prevent heat-related illnesses during this period, as reported by longbeach.gov.
With the mercury rising, Long Beach has opened its community centers and public libraries as cooling centers, which are accessible during regular business hours. Nevertheless, potential visitors should call in advance to confirm availability in case of any unplanned shutdowns. Dr. Davis underlined the importance of community in these times, calling on residents to "check on friends, family and neighbors who are home-bound to make sure they are not affected by the heat."
The scorching heat poses a significant threat especially to older adults, those with chronic illnesses, infants, and young children, although heat-related illnesses can affect anyone. The city's guidance includes wearing appropriate attire like lightweight, and loose-fitting clothes. Limiting activities to cooler hours of the day and seeking the refuge of air-conditioned spaces during peak heat are also key recommendations. They also emphasized the critical role of staying hydrated and avoiding drinks that may lead to dehydration like alcohol and caffeinated beverages, instead encouraging the consumption of water and sport drinks to replenish lost minerals.
In addition to staying cool and hydrated, protection against heat-related sickness is a priority. Applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, thirty minutes before going outdoors and reapplying every two hours, alongside wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and ensuring that pets have access to shade and water - are essential practices. The city also reminds everyone never to leave children or pets in parked cars or asleep in direct sunlight, due to the swift rise in temperatures these environments can experience.
Regarding the signs of heat-related illnesses, immediate medical attention is a must if someone experiences a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, or shows symptoms like a fast, strong pulse, unconsciousness, or other listed signs that persist for more than an hour or worsen. In addition, safety around swimming pools should not be ignored, with strict supervision and proper barriers being a necessity to prevent accidents and provide relief from the heat in a safe environment. More details on these precautions can be found by visiting the Long Beach city website or tuning into their social media updates. For any media inquiries, Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer at the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, is the designated contact, as per the earlier statement on longbeach.gov.
