DATE OF RELEASE: September 16, 2014
As temperatures continue to remain in the triple digits, the City of West Covina, the West Covina Fire Department, and the West Covina Police Department would like to remind all citizens to take precautions if your daily routine requires you to be outside.
Here are a few tips, if you must be out in the heat:
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink water often; don't wait until you are thirsty.
• Offer assistance to shut-ins in your neighborhood; check on them frequently during hot weather.
• During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you don't have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool.
• Avoid unnecessary exertion if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim.
• If you know seniors or people whose immune and respiratory systems are not working properly or who live alone, check on them regularly to make sure they are staying cool.
• An early warning sign of heat-related illnesses is diminished judgment. The use of the buddy system is important in all situations. Check on seniors frequently.
• Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles, since temperatures can quickly rise to life-threatening levels.
The City of West Covina Senior Center is open as a cooling center at 2501 E. Cortez Avenue, West Covina CA 91791 during the following hours:
• Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The County of Los Angeles has several cooling centers available for seniors or those looking for a place to beat the heat. The location of the closest cooling center can be found by calling 211.
To view a map of cooling centers, go to: http://bit.ly/BeatTheHeat2014
Symptoms of heat illness includes dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, skin that is pale and clammy; rapid and weak pulse; fast and shallow breathing; muscle cramps; and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be removed to a cooler, shaded place and given water or sport drinks.
More severe symptoms (such as disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing) may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke and require immediate medical attention by dialing 911.
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Information released by:
West Covina Police Department
Public Information Officer Rudy Lopez
1444 West Garvey Avenue
West Covina, CA 91790
626 939-8500
Web: www.westcovina.org/departments/police-department
Twitter: www.twitter.com/WestCovinaPD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestCovinaPD
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