Local Cooling Centers Set Up Ahead of Weekend High Temperatures

With temperatures set to soar in the coming days, cooling centers have been set up across the county.

The closest cooling center to Mar Vista is at the Culver City Senior Center at 4095 Overland Ave. Tel: (310) 253-6700. It will be open Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 4 p.m.

The closest cooling center to Venice is at the Lloyd-Taber Marina del Rey library at 4533 Admiralty Way. Tel: (310) 821-3415.  It will be open Mondays from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Tues-Thurs from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fridays from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Those seeking to use the centers are urged to call in advance to make sure there is still seating available. Please call “211” if there is no space at your center or visit the local library. For more information, visit http://lacoa.org/PDF/ESP_FocusSheet_Heatwave_0710.pdf

 L.A. County has also put out the following guide to help protect you from the heat:

• Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest.
• Reduce physical activity.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light colored lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when you are outdoors
• Avoid hot, heavy meals that include proteins.
• Set your air conditioner between 75° to 80°. If you don’t have air-conditioning take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air conditioned facility.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.
• Use sun screen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun.
• Don’t forget about your pets, they need plenty of water and shade.
• Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst.

For questions or concerns regarding the Cooling Center Program, please contact the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management at (323) 459-3779.