August 29, 2022 4:21 PM
by Lindsay B Call
As the June Gloom fog lifts, it’s time for Santa Monicans to prepare for the summer sun and rising temperatures. Extreme heat (two or three very hot days with 90-degree temperatures) may occur; During these events, the body has to work harder to maintain a normal temperature. Make sure you are prepared and work with your neighbors to ensure everyone stays healthy when temperatures soar.
Tips for staying cool during the Santa Monica summer months:
✔️ Stay hydrated
- Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
✔️ Never leave children, pets or adults alone in closed vehicles
- The temperature inside a parked vehicle can quickly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets, and even adults. Leaving windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the rate of heating.
✔️ Stay indoors as much as possible and limit sun exposure
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, which is usually from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Bring pets indoors or, if they are outdoors, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water. Dark pavement can be very hot for your pet’s feet.
- Move outdoor activities to cooler times of day.
- If you are outside, take frequent breaks, seek 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 get morning or afternoon sun with curtains, blinds, or awnings. Consider making temporary window reflectors, such as cardboard covered with aluminum foil, to place between windows and curtains.
- Consider purchasing a window air conditioner and insulation before a heat wave hits. Use attic fans to remove heat from your home. If temperatures are above 95 degrees outside, don’t use electric fans, as they could increase the risk of heat-related illness.
- Taking a cool bath and staying hydrated can help keep you cool when temperatures rise indoors.
✔️ Check on family, friends and neighbors
- Learn the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps.
- Monitor children, older adults, pets, and athletes, who are most vulnerable to extreme heat, to make sure they don’t show signs of heat-related illness.
- Check in on loved ones or neighbors who do not have air conditioning and may need help during an extreme heat event. If your home has air conditioning, invite them over during the hottest part of the day.
✔️ Find places in the community to stay cool
- Santa Monica Public Libraries are great for catching up on your reading while escaping the hot temperatures. The library’s new extended hours offer a cool place to escape the heat Monday through Saturday.
- Cool off in one of the city’s many splash pads (at the Annenberg Community Beach House, Virginia Avenue Park, and Tongva Park) or in the pools.
- All Big Blue Bus vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and offer easy transportation in a cool environment.
- For standard bus routes, the regular single-ride fare is just $1.10 and just $0.50 for seniors or people with disabilities with ID. For help with trip planning, visit www.bigbluebus.com or call 310-451-5444.
- Santa Monica’s MODE service offers curb-to-curb transportation to Santa Monica residents 65+ and disabled residents 18+ 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:
Written by
Lindsay B. Call
Director of Resilience
