LOS ANGELES (CNS) - With Mother Nature turning up the heat over the next couple days, government agencies reminded the public today about the availability of cooling centers across the Southland for people who need a break from high temperatures.
Los Angeles city officials noted that facilities such as recreation centers, senior centers and museums are available for people hoping to cool off. City libraries are also available as cooling centers during their normal operating hours. The city's 32 Summer Night Lights locations will be open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
A list of cooling centers and hours is available online at emergency.lacity.org/heat, or in Spanish at emergency.lacity.org/calor.
According to the mayor's office, the Department of Water and Power is installing temporary water fountains in the Tujunga Wash area, in San Julian and Gladys parks, in La Plaza de Culturas y Artes and in the Exposition Park.
Los Angeles County has dozens of facilities available as cooling centers across the region. A full list of locations and operating hours is available by calling 2-1-1 or checking online at http://lacoa.org/PDF/coolingcenters.pdf.
Other cities in the area have also announced the availability of cooling centers. Malibu officials said the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway, will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday as a cooling center.
The Duarte Senior Center at 1610 Huntington Drive will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sunday for people looking to cool down. Carson will have about a dozen park locations available during afternoon hours through Sunday as cooling centers.
Health officials from various agencies offered a series of tips for people to avoid becoming ill from the heat, including:
-- drink lots of cool water, even if you are not thirsty;
-- wear loose, light-colored clothing;
-- wear a hat and sunscreen; and
-- avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
Authorities also encouraged residents to check regularly on neighbors who might be vulnerable to heat illness, including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease and young children. Officials also strongly reminded residents to never leave children or pets unattended inside closed vehicles.