Four “surge” cooling centers are opening in Los Angeles to help people escape what is expected to be an excessively hot Fourth of July weekend.
Libraries, recreation centers and other facilities make up Los Angeles County's network of more than 150 cooling centers. Many of them are expected to draw even more visitors than usual this weekend as a heat wave stretches across California through Tuesday.
The City of Los Angeles will operate four additional centers with extended hours over the next six days for people needing relief from the heat.
The additional locations will help offset the closure of some libraries and public buildings on July 4 and Sunday, said Joseph Riser, a spokesman for the city's Department of Emergency Management.
City officials are urging people to take advantage of cooling centers as a heat wave looms over much of California, raising concerns about wildfires and health risks.
Death Valley could see temperatures as high as 129 degrees. The National Weather Service warned that the heat wave in the Bay Area could create “an exceptionally dangerous situation” and warned that parts of Southern California could face “dangerously high heat conditions.”
In Southern California, the highest temperatures are expected to be Thursday through Saturday, with deserts and mountains reaching 110 degrees. Valleys could see temperatures around 98 degrees and coastal plains between 80 and 94 degrees.
In Ventura County, the Ventura County Sheriff's Emergency Services office issued an alert urging people to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day and check on elderly neighbors.
To stay cool, the county suggested residents visit public buildings, shopping malls, movie theaters and state and county libraries.
The City of Thousand Oaks is also offering five locations as possible cooling centers, including the Thousand Oaks Alex Fiore Teen Center, 1375 E. Janss Road, and the Thousand Oaks Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road.
In Orange County, a list of cooling centers, including hours and services, is available online on the county website.
Los Angeles city and county officials are trying to spread the word that residents can beat the heat by visiting cooling centers, swimming pools and other free public places.
Many people try to endure the heat on the first day, but find a way to cool off on the second day, Riser said.
“It really has to do with how hot it is and how long it lasts,” he said. “A lot of people try to get through the first day and then realize they can’t handle it.”
The four enhanced cooling locations will be open Wednesday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at:
- Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace
- Mid-Valley Senior Center, 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City
- Fred Roberts Recreation Center, 4700 S. Honduras St., Los Angeles
- Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, 400 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles
A complete list of county cooling centers is available online, with hours of operation and services offered.
Although only service animals are allowed in public libraries, pets are allowed in City recreational facilities and parks.
The city also has a list of summer pools and water parks available.
Cooling centers can offer critical relief, even for a short period, Riser said.
“In some places, for people it’s just a place to rest,” he said.
If the heat persists, officials will consider extending the operation of the increased locations, Riser said.
The county's public health department on Tuesday also urged residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses in the coming days, particularly young children and older adults.
He urged residents who do not have access to air conditioning to take advantage of cooling centers.
