Los Angeles County Braces for Record Heat: Solis, Officials Urge Safety and Hydration

Board Chair Solis and County departments advised on the current heat wave and the steps Los Angeles County is taking to support residents.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis held a press conference today to provide updates on the approaching heat wave and the steps the County is taking to support residents during anticipated high temperatures.

An Extreme Heat Warning will go into effect Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m. and remain in place through Friday, March 20, at 8 p.m. The heat wave is expected to impact communities across the County, including the San Gabriel Valley and San Fernando Valley, which typically experience hotter inland conditions.

“Extreme heat is one of the most serious weather hazards we face, and we are seeing it more frequently each year due to climate change,” said Board Chair Solis. “Los Angeles County is ready to respond with resources like cooling centers, parks and outreach teams, but it is also important for everyone to take practical steps. Drink plenty of water, check on family, friends and neighbors, and make sure pets have relief from the heat. Together we can protect our communities and ensure everyone, people and animals alike, stays safe during these extreme temperatures.”

Chair Solis was joined by County department officials, including Dr. Anish Mahajan, Chief Deputy Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; Dr. Skye Patrick, County librarian and Director of the Los Angeles County Library; Fire Chief Anthony Marrone of the Los Angeles County Fire Department; Norma E. García-González, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation; and Billy Yeung, Program Manager for the Department of Aging and Disabilities. The officials outlined County efforts to keep residents safe, including access to cooling spaces, and public health guidance.

Most County-operated cooling centers are located at Los Angeles County Library branches, providing accessible, air-conditioned spaces for residents. In addition, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation offers relief from the heat through its County-run facilities and programs, most of which are in unincorporated areas such as East Los Angeles, Hacienda Heights, and Rowland Heights.

Shaded outdoor areas and indoor park buildings are open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. County senior centers and programs open as early as 8 a.m. Children and youth ages 7 to 17 can participate in the free Every Body Plays after-school program indoors from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Teen Centers are open from 3 to 9 p.m. for activities, homework help, and free dinner. Seven year-round county aquatic centers offer free recreational swim in the afternoon and low-cost lap swim in the morning and evening.

Beyond public access to cooling spaces, County outreach teams with the Department of Homeless Services and Housing are actively assisting residents experiencing homelessness. They are helping transport individuals to cooling centers, are providing water and electrolyte packets, are offering sun protection, and are giving guidance on shaded and cooler places to stay during the heat.

To further support residents, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is prepared to respond to emergencies related to the heat wave, including medical calls for residents experiencing heat-related illness or dehydration.

County officials also reminded residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and others at higher risk. They should stay hydrated, avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles, and check on neighbors, older adults, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. Residents should also watch for symptoms of heat-related illness, including high body temperature, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.

For information on County cooling centers, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat or call 2-1-1. To learn more about County parks facilities and programs, visit parks.lacounty.gov.

Watch the press conference here. 

Photos available here (Credit: Bryan Chan).