Watch CBS News

Weekend Heat Alert Issued For Parts Of Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Health officials have declared a Heat Alert for areas of Los Angeles County for the weekend.

Areas under the alert include the East San Gabriel Valley from Friday through Monday in addition to the LA Basin and San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys for Sunday and Monday.

"When temperatures are high, even a few hours of exertion may cause severe dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Others who are frail or have chronic health conditions may develop serious health problems leading to death if they are exposed to high temperatures over several days," said Dr. Jeffery Gunzenhauser.

Due to the heat, Sarah Baker decided to take her morning run around Balboa Park extra early.

"Usually we come out around 10 o'clock, but when I saw at 6 a.m. it was already 70 we decided to come out around two hours early today," she said. "It was pretty rough and I probably won't be going tomorrow."

CBS2's Jeff Nguyen spoke with residents and employees in Corona about their efforts to beat the heat.

Some residents took to a local splash zone as a way to escape the heat for a while.

"We don't really use the air conditioning at home," said Corona resident Charles Harris. "So here we come. Let him play in the water and have fun."

Many residents, however, are stuck working during the sweltering hours of the day.

At XPress Auto Service, mechanics dread hot weather as air conditioning is not installed in the building.

"On a hot day like today, you have to get used to it," said mechanic Allan Herrarte. "The heat sometimes is very tough because when it's blowing so dry sometimes it's very hard to breath."

Officials advise that children, elderly people and pets should not be left unattended in homes with no air conditioning and vehicles, even if windows are open.

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.

For a list of Cooling Centers and information on heat-related illnesses and prevention, visit the Public Health website or call the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone within the county.

The alert may be extended if weather conditions do not improve.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.