Triple-digit temperatures are forecasted for Thursday, July 15 through Sunday, July 18.
When temperatures are high, prolonged sun exposure may cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. People should take precautions, especially those who are sensitive to the heat.
Never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in vehicles, even with the windows cracked or opened, because temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. Under California law, it is illegal to leave children alone in a car.
For a list of cooling centers and additional information on heat-related illnesses and prevention, visit the Los Angeles Public Health website at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, or call the county information line at 8-2-1-1 from a campus phone or 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone within the county.
Heat may worsen the affects of poor air quality in areas of heavy smog. If you plan to be outdoors, take precautions to protect yourself from the heat. Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst.
Individuals with these symptoms should seek out cooler, shaded areas and drink water or sport drinks. More severe symptoms such as diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke. Individuals with those symptoms require immediate medical attention and should call 9-1-1. If on campus, dial 9-1-1 from any campus phone or (909) 869-3070 from a cell phone.
Tips for beating the heat:
- Wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
- Drink water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks often. Do not wait until you are thirsty. Avoid drinking sweetened drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Offer help to those in your neighborhood with limited access to air conditioning and transportation, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently or take them to a location with air conditioning.
- During peak heat hours, stay in an air-conditioned area. If you don’t have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as shopping malls, parks and libraries to stay cool.
- Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun hours if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.
- Stay out of the sun whenever possible. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from sun damage. Apply sun screen and wear sunglasses.
Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat Cramps:
- Symptoms include muscular pains and spasms, usually in the stomach, arms or leg muscles.
- Usually results from heavy exertion, such as exercise, during extreme heat.
- Although heat cramps are the least severe of all heat-related problems, they are usually the first signal that the body is having trouble coping with hot temperatures. Heat cramps should be treated immediately with rest, fluids and getting out of the heat.
- Seek medical attention if pain is severe or nausea occurs.
Heat Exhaustion:
- Symptoms include heavy sweating, pale and clammy moist skin, extreme weakness or fatigue, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness or confusion, nausea or vomiting, fast and shallow breathing, or fainting.
- First Aid: Heat exhaustion should be treated immediately with rest in a cool area, sipping water or a sports drink, applying cool and wet cloths and elevating the feet 12 inches.
- If left untreated, victims may go into heat stroke.
- Seek medical attention if the person does not respond to the above, basic treatment by call 9-1-1. If on campus, dial 9-1-1 from any campus phone or (909) 869-3070 from a cell phone.
Heat Stroke:
- Symptoms include flushed, hot and dry skin (no sweating), high body temperature (above 103 degrees), confusion or dizziness, unconsciousness, throbbing headache, rapid, or strong pulse.
- Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness and occurs when a person’s temperature control system, which produces sweat, stops working. Heat stroke may lead to brain damage and death.
- First Aid: Call 9-1-1. If these symptoms occur while you are on campus, dial 9-1-1 from any campus phone or (909) 869-3070 from a cell phones. Move victim to a cool shaded area. Fan the body and spray body with water.
Environmental Health & Safety, Student Health Services and the University Police Department are committed to protecting and improving the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Students who exhibit heat related symptoms may contact Student Health Services at (909) 869-4000. Faculty and staff who exhibit non-work related heat symptoms are asked to contact their health care provider. Faculty and staff who exhibit work-related heat symptoms are asked to contact their immediate supervisor. People with serious heat symptoms, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, should seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1. If on campus dial 9-1-1 from any campus phone or (909) 869-3070 from a cell phone.
For additional information call Environmental Health & Safety at (909) 869-4697.