Heat is an escalating disaster, with more than a million people around the world dying every year as a result of being overexposed to heat, and even more die or are injured after hurricanes and wildfires during the heat season. While hurricanes and wildfires claim their deaths almost immediately, heat is the disaster that cities across the globe are least prepared for. Consistently high temperatures can accelerate deaths that are ultimately attributed to other causes: a heart attack, a runaway asthma attack, or an overdose.
Nearly 4,000 Californians died as a result of excess temperatures between 2010 and 2019, and that is a conservative number. And the summers are getting hotter, and we can't return to our more temperate summers. This is why the United Nations Secretary-General has called us all to action and reminded us that climate change is the catalyst for extreme heat and weather.
Our Call to Action: Because the heat season will impact Angelenos through mid-November, and there are more heat waves to come, we urge you to prepare in advance and even during a heat wave to stay in cool spaces, cool off in the shade, and stay hydrated.
- Visit the Emergency Management Department (EMD) website to see a listing of open cooling center facilities: Emergency.LACity.gov/Updates
- Read EMD’s Summer Newsletter for more heat safety tips and resources.
- Take extra precautions if you work, exercise, or spend time outside.
- Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening when possible.
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
- To reduce risk during outdoor work, Cal/OSHA advises taking frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments, and for employers to provide access to water.
- Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
- Call 9-1-1 if you suspect heat stroke: this is an emergency!
- Non-emergency information for cooling centers can be found by calling 3-1-1.
- Visit our website to access heat safety materials to share and distribute in your communities: Climate4LA.org/HeatReliefMaterials