Living Without Air Conditioning During A Heat Wave Is Anything But Cool
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — People living along the coast rarely have a need for air conditioning. They often rely on ocean breezes to keep cool.
But in a heat wave, like the one the Southland is currently experiencing, residents are finding little relief in the rare breeze.
CBS2's Adrianna Weingold spoke to many people Sunday who said they were in agony.
Doors and windows were open early, as people here in Long Beach tried to beat the heat -- without air conditioning. Good luck with that.
"It's stifling, it's miserable, Today I was going to get one of those portable roll-a-way [fans] but they were all sold out so I'll be dealing with the heat for a while," said Alexander Rosie, a Long Beach resident.
Roommates Chelsea Mallinson and Ericka Gustafson have lived together for three years. They say the city gives them heaters in the winter but no air conditioner in the summer. With temperatures skyrocketing, they had no choice but to get out of the house.
"The summers lately have just been horrible [with] 100 degree weather and with all the windows in front it's like an oven, it just bakes us in, there's no cross breeze. It's awful," said Gustafson.
In a heatwave it can be very difficult for people without air conditioning to find a cool place. The closest cooling center is all the way in San Pedro and unfortunately it's also closed on weekends.
Weingold did find a public library open during some of the hottest hours from, 12 to 4, other than that your best bet is taking a dip. Just a couple of blocks away the Schaffner family did their best to stay cool, with a kiddie pool and some portable fans.
"When it gets hot it's pretty bad. There is a breeze but that's why we have the pool, for these hot days," says Happy Schaffner.
Officials say if you don't have air conditioning it's important to find ways to stay cool, go to a friend or 'house with air conditioning, go the beach or a movie or public place that's cool. And also remember to stay hydrated.
