UPDATE!! THIS JUST IN!
Get there and cool down! :)
~Juls~

The City of Long Beach has extended hours at seven Parks Department facilities to assist residents in getting out of the heat. The following sites have extended their hours today (Sept. 27) until 9:00 pm, and tomorrow (Sept. 28) from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm:

Silverado Park
1545 West 31st St.
562.570.1678

Long Beach Senior Center
1150 E. Fourth St.
562.570.3500

El Dorado Park West
2800 Studebaker Road
562.570.3225

Bixby Park
130 Cherry Ave.
562.570.1601

Cesar E. Chavez Park
401 Golden Ave.
562.570.8890

Ramona Park
3301 E. 65th Street
562.570.1665

McBride Park (Cal Rec Center)
1550 Martin Luther King Ave.
562.570.1605

In addition to these sites noted, the City of Long Beach offers a number of other public facilities in which residents can cool off if they do not have air conditioning at home. These facilities are normally open Monday through Saturday; locations and hours of operation are available at www.longbeach.gov/park/coolingcenters, or by calling 562.570.3100 during regular business hours.

Seniors and others at high risk for heat illness are encouraged to take advantage of these and other air-conditioned locations. Hours of operation at these facilities will be extended as needed based on the weather. Residents are encouraged to check on elderly or disabled neighbors or relatives to assist them in coping with the heat if necessary.

It is very important that everyone continues to take precautions to reduce the risk of heat related illness:

Remain hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after outdoor activities
Take frequent breaks while working or playing outdoors
Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day; limit time outside during peak heat



ORIGINAL POSTING:

This news release was sent our way. Take a read & stay hydrated. It’s freakin’ hot out there!
~Juls~

City Manager News Release: PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS ISSUE HEAT ADVISORY FOR RESIDENTS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM THE HEAT

The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is advising residents to take precautions against the heat due to the National Weather Service's forecast that hot weather will affect much of southern California today and for the next several days. Temperatures at Long Beach airport are forecasted to peak at about 100 degrees Fahrenheit during today, September 27, 2010.

We are reminding residents to be safe and practice heat precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illness especially while participating in outdoor activities. The elderly, people with chronic illnesses, infants and young children are at greater risk for heat-related conditions. However everyone should take precautions to reduce the risk of heat related illness:

-Remain hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after outdoor activities;
-Take frequent breaks while working or playing outdoors;
-Wear loose fitting, light clothing; wear a hat if you'll be outside;
-Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid beverages that have caffeine or alcohol;
-Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day; limit time outside during peak heat;
-Pace physical activities, starting slowly and picking up the pace gradually;
-Seek air-conditioned environments during peak heat at stores, malls, theaters, etc.
-Check on frail elderly or home-bound individuals to make sure they are not affected by the heat;
-Move to a cooler location at first sign of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps); rest and slowly drink a cool liquid;
-Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or asleep in the direct sunlight; and
-Make sure pets have plenty of shade and water to drink.

Conditions at this time do yet warrant activation of "community cooling centers". Should residents require a place to cool off, they are encouraged to go to one of Long Beach Public Libraries or Parks and Recreation Community Centers. For more information on how to stay healthy during hot weather please visit the Health Department's website at www.longbeach.gov/health.