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August 29, 2022 4:21 PM
by Lindsay B. Call
When the June Gloom fog lifts, it’s time for Santa Monicans to prepare for summer sunshine and rising temperatures. Extreme heat (two or three days of high heat with temperatures 90 degrees) may occur—during these events, the body has to work harder to maintain normal temperature. Make sure you are prepared and work with your neighbors to ensure everyone stays healthy when temperatures are soar.
Tips to Keep Cool During Santa Monica’s Summer Months:
✔️ Stay hydrated
- Drink plenty of water, even if you aren’t thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol.
✔️ Never Leave Children, Pets or Adults Alone in Closed Vehicles
- The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate.
✔️ Stay Indoors as Much as Possible and Limit Exposure to the Sun
- Avoid strenuous activity during the warmest parts of the day, which is generally 10 am to 3 pm
- Bring pets indoors or if outdoors, be sure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water. Dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
- Move outdoor activities to cooler times of the day.
- If you are outside, take frequent breaks, find shade, wear light clothing and a hat, and use sunscreen.
✔️ Take Steps to Prepare Your Home if You Don’t Have Air Conditioning
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, or awnings. Consider making temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to place between windows and drapes.
- Consider purchasing a window air conditioner and insulation before a heatwave starts. Use attic fans to remove your home’s heat. If temperatures are above 95 degrees outside, do not use electric fans as they could increase the risk of heat-related illness.
- Taking a cool bath and staying hydrated can help you stay cool when temperatures increase indoors.
✔️ Check on Family, Friends, and Neighbors
- Know the signs and symptoms of heatstroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.
- Check on children, older adults, pets, and athletes—who are more vulnerable to extreme heat—to ensure they don’t exhibit signs of heat-related illness.
- Check on loved ones or neighbors who don’t have air conditioning and may need help during an extreme heat event. If your home has air conditioning, invite them over during the hottest parts of the day.
✔️ Find Places in the Community to Stay Cool
- Santa Monica’s public libraries are great for catching up on reading while escaping soaring temperatures. New extended library hours offer a cool place to escape the heat Monday-Saturday.
- Cool off at one of the city’s many splash pads (at the Annenberg Community Beach House, Virginia Avenue Park, and Tongva Park) or swimming pools!
- All Big Blue Bus vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and offer easy transportation in a cool environment.
- For standard bus routes, single-ride regular fare is only $1.10 and only $0.50 for seniors or persons with disabilities with ID. For trip planning assistance, please visit www.bigbluebus.com or call 310-451-5444.
- Santa Monica’s MODE service offers curb-to-curb transportation to Santa Monica residents over 65 years and disabled residents over 18 years for $0.75 – $1.50. Transportation Learn more at www.bigbluebus.com/mode or by calling WISE & Healthy Aging at 310-394-9871.
Be Prepared and Learn More:
Authored By
Lindsay B. Call
Chief Resilience Officer
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