Excessive heat is projected to hit Southern California over the next few days. “In addition to dangerous heat, South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has warned of poor air quality in certain areas. Residents and visitors are advised to check air quality levels regularly and limit outdoor activities as necessary,” the OC Health Care Agency suggests.

The City of Fullerton has made available a “cooling center” for the public to use.

Fullerton Community Center – 340 W. Commonwealth Ave.
Cooling Center Hours: 12 PM to 6 PM

Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
Thursday, September 5, 2024.
Friday, September 6, 2024.

Guests must sign-in and adhere to cooling center rules and regulations.

Excessive heat is to be taken seriously and can have detrimental health impacts. “High temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke for those at higher risk for heat illness, including people who work outdoors, infants, children, pregnant people, ages 65 or older, and people with chronic conditions,” explains the OC Health Care Agency.

Furthermore, they state that prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat cramps or heatstroke and can even be fatal.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, or dizziness. Warning signs of heat stroke are extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid pulse, or a throbbing headache.

If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance. Move the person to a shady area and begin cooling their body with water.

The Fullerton Public Library, another cooling center, also posted an informative graphic along with some advice on their social media. 

We’re having a heat wave! Be safe and prepare to beat the heat. Cool off at Fullerton Splash Pads. Use a towel as a “cooling towel.” Wet a towel or washcloth to place on your wrists or behind your neck to cool your system. This week is a great week to be COOL and check out a book at the Fullerton Library. Keep yourself safe and healthy. Drink fluids, plan exercise, work, and activities early or late in the day, and wear loose-fitting clothes.
Make a plan, be safe, and be well. FPL

The OC Health Care Agency issued a list of precautions to take to prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun wear a wide brim hat and use sunscreen.
• Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area.
• Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles.
• Check on those, like neighbors, who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children.
• Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air-conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool. To find a cooling center near you, visit Cooling Centers | Orange County (ocgov.com).

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