Heat Alert Issued For LA, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel Valleys

CANOGA PARK (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles County Health Department Thursday issued a Heat Alert for the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys as daytime highs soar past 90 degrees.

The Heat Alert for the LA and San Gabriel valleys will be in place through Friday and may be extended if condition do not improve, officials said. The alert issued for the East San Gabriel Valley will be in effect through Sunday.

A Heat Advisory was issued for the Inland Empire and Orange County until Friday at 7 p.m. with temperatures ranging from 98 to 103 degrees with humidity, officials said.

Residents in inland Orange County were sweating through Thursday with temperatures in many spots reaching the triple digits.

The National Weather Service says we've had above normal temperatures for seven days in a row, increasing the risk of medical emergencies like heat exhaustion and heat stroke - especially for the old and young.

"In the last hour-and-a-half, there's two calls right now - one in Ladera, a child locked in a car, extremely hot. And then we have a 45-year-old that had pain and vomiting," Orange County Fire Authority Steve Conscialdi told CBS2's Michele Gile.

Residents were recommended to limit their sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest, in addition to drinking water and resting in the shade.

"Everyone should remember to take special care of themselves, children, the elderly, and their pets. Extreme heat such as this is not just an inconvenience, it can be dangerous and even deadly," said Jonathan E. Fielding, Director of Public Health and Health Officer.

In the United States, heat is the number one weather-related killer, with the very young and elderly most susceptible.

"It is critically important to never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning and particularly in vehicles, even with the windows 'cracked' or open, as temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels," Fielding said.

Dehydration Signs:

- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle Cramps

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.

More than 90 cooling centers will be open Thursday across Los Angeles County. For a complete list, click here or call 211.