IRVINE – Southern California is bracing for continued extreme heat, with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 9.
A Heat Advisory will then take effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday and remain in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday, September 10.
To help residents stay safe during the heat wave, the City of Irvine has opened cooling centers across the city, providing residents with safe, comfortable and air-conditioned places to escape the heat. City facilities are designated as cooling centers, where residents can participate in recreation programs, read, or simply cool down.
Extreme Heat Can Lead to Serious Illness
Health officials warn that prolonged exposure to excessive heat can cause serious heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly among people who are more sensitive to high temperatures.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs include an extremely high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin, a rapid and strong pulse, and a severe or throbbing headache.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat stroke should seek emergency medical assistance immediately. While waiting for help, move the person to a shaded or cooler location and begin cooling their body with water.
Tips to Stay Safe During the Heat Wave
Residents are encouraged to:
- Drink plenty of water and do not wait until you are thirsty.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. If outdoors, wear a hat, preferably one with a wide brim, and use sunscreen.
- Avoid strenuous activities outdoors or inside buildings without air conditioning.
- If working outdoors, take frequent breaks in a shaded area and drink plenty of fluids.
- Never leave children, older adults or pets unattended inside a vehicle.
- Check on people who may be especially vulnerable to extreme heat, including seniors who live alone, young children, and people with heart or lung conditions.
- If your home does not have air conditioning, seek relief at public facilities such as shopping centers, libraries and other air-conditioned locations.
Pets Also Face Serious Heat Risks
The City is also reminding residents to protect their pets during the heat wave.
Never leave a pet alone inside a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise extremely quickly, potentially reaching deadly levels within minutes and causing heat stroke, brain damage or death.
Pet owners should provide animals with plenty of fresh, cool water and shade. Outdoor exercise should be limited during extreme heat and scheduled for the cooler hours of the morning or evening.
Dogs should not be left standing on hot pavement for extended periods because their bodies are closer to the ground and can heat up quickly.
Older, overweight and short-nosed breeds—including Bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus—can be particularly vulnerable to heat and should remain in air-conditioned environments as much as possible.
Pet owners should also keep dogs and cats well-groomed. For dogs with heavy coats, trimming the hair can help, but owners should not shave the coat down to the skin, as the fur provides protection from the sun.
As the heat wave continues, Irvine officials are urging residents to limit strenuous outdoor activities, stay hydrated, check on vulnerable neighbors and family members, and take advantage of local cooling centers when needed.
