Staying Cool in Los Angeles

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Heatwaves in Los Angeles are dangerous, especially for older adults and people living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Dementia can impact a person’s judgement and they may be unable to communicate their discomfort. They are at a greater risk for dehydration.A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that people with Alzheimer’s were 6% more likely to die on an extremely hot day.1

The City of Los Angeles offers resources throughout the city. If you need help, call 311 for resources in Los Angeles City or 211 in Los Angeles County.

Here are a few tips from Los Angeles City:

Stay Cool & Hydrated

woman drinking water

  • If you feel too hot, go somewhere cool and rest, like a cooling center.

  • Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing that breathes.

  • Take cool showers.

  • Avoid direct sunlight and limit caffeine.

  • Drink more water and carry a reusable water bottle.

Listen to Your Body

woman in car realizing she is feeling too hot

  • Learn the warning signs of heat illness: heavy sweating, clammy skin, cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, high body temperature.

  • If you experience these symptoms and suspect heat stroke, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

Stay Informed

  • Check local news and weather reports.

  • Prepare, plan, and practice heat safety.

  • Create a buddy system.

  • Check on the elderly and anyone at risk.

  • Sign up for Los Angeles City’s emergency alerts: NotifyLA.org

  • Check the CoolSpotsLA App or call 311 for cooling resources.

  • Find resources in the County: Ready LA County

1 Zanobetti A, O’Neill MS, Gronlund CJ, Schwartz JD. Susceptibility to mortality in weather extremes: effect modification by personal and small-area characteristics. Epidemiology. 2013 Nov;24(6):809-19. doi: 10.1097/01.ede.0000434432.06765.91. PMID: 24045717; PMCID: PMC4304207.

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Published On: July 24th, 2024Categories: Programs & Services