Los Angeles County is known for its year-round great weather, but when temperatures increase during the summer months, the heat can be unpleasant, and at times dangerous. Use the resources below to prepare for and stay safe during periods of excessive heat.
Find Relief from the Heat
Escape the heat by using the map below to find the Cooling Center closest to you or view Cooling Center Sites and details as a list.
* Map Terminology Note: Augmented Cooling Centers are sites that are operated by the County or City partners with days and/or hours of operation that differ from that sites standard hours of operation or are added during specific heat events to expand Cooling Center services.
**Other ways to escape the heat can include visiting public air conditioned facilities such as movie theatres, shopping malls, etc. during periods of excessive heat.
Heat Safety Public Service Announcement
LA County Pools
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- Swimming pools are another great way to get relief from the heat. Find the location, hours, and days of operation for the LA County Pool nearest you.
Additional City Resources
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- For resources available in the City of Los Angeles call 3-1-1, call the Library Information Office at (213) 228-7555, or visit the Los Angeles “Beat the Heat” webpage.
- For resources in other cities throughout Los Angeles County, please call or find your local city website from this list.
Staying Safe: Before Excessive Heat
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- Find places in your community where you can go get cool. View the interactive map above to find the Cooling Center nearest to you.
- Keep your home cool by covering windows with drapes/shades, add insulation to keep the heat out, use attic fans, and install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
- Power outages may occur when there is extreme heat. Review safety tips for power outages.
Staying Safe: During Excessive Heat
Avoid the sun – stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest.
Drink plenty of fluids – drink 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour during times of excessive heat.
Replace salt and minerals – sweating removes salt and minerals from your body, so replenish these nutrients with low sugar fruit juices or sports drinks during exercise or when working outside.
Avoid alcohol – alcohol can cause dehydration. Drinking alcohol within 24 hours of working in the heat can increase the risk of heat illness.
Pace yourself – reduce physical activity and avoid exercising outdoors during peak heat hours.
Wear appropriate clothing – wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when you are outdoors.
Stay cool indoors – set your air conditioner between 75° to 80°. If you don’t have air conditioning, take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air conditioned facility.
Monitor those at high risk – check on elderly neighbors and family and friends who do not have air conditioning. Infants and children up to 4 years old, people who overexert during work or exercise (e.g. construction workers) and people 65 years and older are at the highest risk of heat-related illnesses.
Use sun screen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun.
Keep pets safe – heat also affects your pets, keep them indoors or if they will be outside, make sure they have plenty of water and a shaded area to help them keep cool. Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle, even if the window is cracked or open.
Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including persons with disabilities and others with access and functional needs may call 211 LA County to find their local Los Angeles County Cooling Center, for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed online by visiting www.211la.org.
