Heat Wave Alert: How and Where to Stay Cool and Safe

Hot weather is on the rise again as temperatures are forecast to reach the mid to upper 90s in Glendora over the next week, the National Weather Service predicts.

In the greater Los Angeles area, some neighborhoods are expected to hit triple digits.

The 7-day forecast for Glendora, according to the National Weather Service:

Today - Sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday - Sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday - Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday - Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Saturday - Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

Sunday - Partly sunny, with a high near 94.

Monday - Partly sunny, with a high near 94.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has again issued an alert for the heat, as well as tips on how to stay safe and cool:

Cooling Centers

Glendora’s designated cooling centers are at the following locations:

La Fetra Center
333 E. Foothill Blvd

Hours:
Monday   8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday  8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday      8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday            8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Glendora Library
140 S. Glendora Ave.
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday   10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday        10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Crowther Teen and Family Center
241W. Dawson
Hours:
Monday – Friday – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Wal-Mart
1950 Auto Center Drive
24 hours

Senior or Handicapped individuals who require transportation assistance, should call the Glendora Mini Bus at (616) 914-8233.

In the event of a heat alert, or if the forecasted temperature is above 100 degrees for any Sunday, the Historic Building of the La Fetra Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m 

How to Keep Yourself and Others Cool and Safe

* “Offer help to your family, friends, and neighbors with limited access to air conditioning and transportation, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently or take them to a location with air conditioning." 

Schools, day camps, and non-school related sports organizations or athletes should take extra precautions during extreme heat. Practices and other outdoor activities should be scheduled for very early or very late in the day in order to limit the amount of time spent in the sun and heat. Heat may worsen the affects of poor air quality in areas of heavy smog. 

* Additional tips for those who must work or exercise outdoors: 

Ensure that cool drinking water is available. 

Drink water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks often; do not wait until you are thirsty. Avoid drinking sweetened drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. Avoid drinking extremely cold water as this is more likely to cause cramps. 

Allow athletes or outdoor workers to take frequent rests. 

Pay attention to signs of dehydration, which include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be moved to a cooler, shaded place, and given water or sport drinks. 

More severe signs of heat-related illness may include diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing. 

Coaches, teachers, and employers should seek immediate medical attention for those exhibiting signs of heat-related illness. 

Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun hours, if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building. 

Older Adults and Individuals With Chronic Medical Conditions: 

During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as cooling centers, shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool. 

Do not rely only on open windows or a fan as a primary way to stay cool. Use the air conditioner. If you’re on reduced income, find out more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, by calling (866) 675-6623 or contacting your utility provider. 

Older adults and those on certain medications may not exhibit signs of dehydration until several hours after dehydration sets in. Stay hydrated by frequently drinking cool water. If you’re on a special diet that limits liquids, check with your doctor for information on the amount of water to consume. 

Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from sun damage. And remember sun screen and sun glasses. 

Infants and Children: 

It is illegal to leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle (California Vehicle Code Section 15620). 

Infants and young children can get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure they are given plenty of cool water to drink. 

Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible. 

Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing. 

Pets: 

Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows ‘cracked’ or open. 

Outdoor animals should be given plenty of shade and clean drinking water. 

Do not leave pets outside in the sun. 

Pets should not be left in a garage as garages can get very hot due to lack of ventilation and insulation. 

More tips: http://lacoa.org/PDF/ESP_FocusSheet_Heatwave_0710.pdf 

*Article written by Jessica Hamlin. Hazel Lodevico-To’o contributed to this article.