How To Stay Cool In LA: Cooling Centers, Public Pools And More

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA — Summer in Southern California is in full force — as Angelenos sweat through the second heat wave of the season, some of the week's hottest temperatures are expected today.

"The combination of very high temperatures and humidity creates a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible," according to the National Weather Service. "Temperatures inside vehicles, even if the windows are partially open, can quickly rise to life-threatening levels."

Forecasters urged the public to "drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."

Cooling centers are opening up around Los Angeles County in response to the heat wave. Here is a full list of cooling centers, with addresses, phone numbers and hours of operation.

County officials offer some tips on how to deal with extreme heat:

• Avoid the sun: stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Replace salt and minerals: replenish nutrients lost with low sugar fruit juices or sports drinks during exercise or when working outside.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Reduce physical activity and avoid exercising outdoors during peak heat hours.
• Wear appropriate clothing: wear a wide-brimmed hat and light colored lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when you are outside.
• Stay cool indoors during peak hours: set your air conditioner between 75 to 80 degrees. For those without air conditioning, take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air-conditioned facility or cooling facility.
• Check on elderly neighbors and family and friends without air conditioning. Infants and children up to 4 years old, people who overexert during work, and people 65 years old and older are at risk of heat-related illnesses.
• Use sunscreen.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include: dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst.

There are also splash pad areas and public pools to visit on hot days around Los Angeles County to have fun and stay cool — but don't forget the sunscreen.

City News Service contributed to this post