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LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY SAFETY

Los Angeles Heat Wave Safety: What to Do During Extreme Heat and Power Outages

Los Angeles heat wave safety starts with knowing that extreme temperatures can become dangerous quickly, particularly when a power outage removes access to air conditioning. Knowing the warning signs and preparing before an emergency can help protect your household and community.
CD LAWLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
WHEN HEAT BECOMES MORE THAN WEATHER
EXTREME HEAT
CAN BECOME
AN EMERGENCY.

BEFORE IT DOES,
KNOW WHAT TO WATCH FOR.

High temperatures can place significant stress on the body, and the risk can increase when homes lose power or people remain exposed to heat for long periods. Preparation begins with recognizing warning signs and knowing how to respond.

KNOW THE EMERGENCY SIGNS

What Are the Warning Signs of Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention.

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

If heat stroke is suspected, emergency medical help should be requested immediately. While waiting for help: move the person to a cooler or shaded area when possible, begin cooling the person with cool or wet cloths, and follow emergency responder instructions.

For comprehensive information, review the CDC / NIOSH heat-related illness guidance.

Potential warning signs may include:
very high body temperature
confusion or altered behavior
severe headache
dizziness
nausea
hot or red skin
rapid or strong pulse
loss of consciousness
seizures
HEAT
THE BODY WORKS
TO COOL ITSELF
WATER + SALT
ARE LOST
TEMPERATURE
CAN CONTINUE RISING
WARNING SIGNS
CAN APPEAR
BEFORE THE EMERGENCY

Heat Exhaustion Can Also Become Serious

Heat exhaustion may develop when the body loses substantial water and salt through sweating.

A person experiencing symptoms should move to a cooler location, reduce unnecessary clothing, use cool wet cloths and slowly drink water when appropriate.

If symptoms worsen or do not improve, medical attention may be necessary.

Potential symptoms may include:
heavy sweating
weakness
fatigue
dizziness
headache
nausea
vomiting
muscle cramps
pale or clammy skin
fainting

THE BODY
DOESN'T WAIT
FOR YOUR SCHEDULE.

REST.

HYDRATE.

COOL DOWN.

DO NOT WAIT FOR THIRST

Stay Hydrated During a Los Angeles Heat Wave

One of the simplest precautions during extreme heat is drinking water regularly.
/keeping water nearby
/drinking throughout the day
/taking more frequent breaks during outdoor work or exercise
/using shaded or air-conditioned spaces
/avoiding unnecessary strenuous activity during peak heat
/scheduling activity during cooler morning or evening hours when possible
/lightweight and breathable clothing
THE BEST TIME
TO DRINK WATER

IS NOT
WHEN YOU'RE
ALREADY OVERHEATED.

Prepare before your body starts asking.

A PARKED CAR CAN BECOME DANGEROUS QUICKLY

Never Leave a Child, Older Adult or Pet in a Parked Vehicle

Temperatures inside parked vehicles can rise rapidly during warm weather.
— never leave children unattended
— never leave an older adult who requires assistance unattended
— never leave pets unattended
— cracking windows does not make the vehicle safe
— check the passenger area before walking away from the vehicle
NO QUICK ERRAND
IS WORTH THE RISK.
WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPS

What Should You Do if the Power Goes Out During a Heat Wave?

Loss of electricity during extreme heat can increase risk because air conditioning may stop, electric fans may stop, refrigeration may stop, phones and medical devices may lose charge, and indoor temperatures may rise.

01

KEEP THE COLD IN

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

02

KEEP THE SUN OUT

Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day.

03

KEEP DRINKING WATER

Continue hydrating throughout the outage.

04

REDUCE ACTIVITY

Avoid unnecessary strenuous activity.

05

KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE

If the home becomes dangerously hot, consider going to an air-conditioned public location.

06

CHECK ON OTHERS

Contact relatives, older neighbors and others who may need assistance.

07

PRESERVE BATTERY POWER

Keep phones and important devices charged ahead of expected outages whenever possible.

THE POWER
CAN GO OUT.

YOUR PLAN
SHOULDN'T.

Preparing before a heat emergency can make decisions easier when temperatures rise and electricity becomes unreliable.

KEEP THE DOORS CLOSED

How Long Can Food Stay Safe During a Power Outage?

An unopened refrigerator

4 HOURS

approximately

A full freezer

48 HOURS

approximately

A half-full freezer

24 HOURS

approximately

...provided the doors remain closed.

Perishable refrigerated food that has remained without appropriate cooling for four hours or more may need to be discarded.

WHEN IN DOUBT,
DO NOT TASTE FOOD
TO TEST WHETHER IT IS SAFE.

THE INVISIBLE DANGER

Never Operate a Generator or Grill Indoors

Fuel-burning equipment can produce carbon monoxide.
Never operate:
  • — portable generators
  • — charcoal grills
  • — camp stoves
  • — other fuel-burning equipment
    • inside:
  • — homes
  • — garages
  • — enclosed patios
  • — enclosed rooms
  • — other enclosed spaces
    • Generators should remain outdoors and away from doors, windows and other building openings. Ensure you have functioning carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup.

    CARBON MONOXIDE
    IS COLORLESS
    AND ODORLESS.

    It can build up quickly and can be fatal.

    DARKNESS
    IS INCONVENIENT.

    EXTREME HEAT
    CAN BE DANGEROUS.

    YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STAY IN AN OVERHEATED HOME

    Where Can Los Angeles Residents Go to Cool Down?

    Los Angeles may make public cooling resources available during periods of extreme heat.

    Call for local info

    311

    for assistance finding public resources

    Residents can check the official City of Los Angeles extreme heat / cooling resources page for current locations and operating hours.

    Depending on conditions, resources may include:
    Los Angeles Public Library branches
    recreation centers
    senior centers
    designated cooling centers
    pools
    splash pads
    other public Cool Spots

    IF HOME
    IS TOO HOT,

    FIND
    A COOLER PLACE.

    HEAT IS A COMMUNITY ISSUE

    Check on Family Members, Friends and Neighbors During Extreme Heat

    Some people may have more difficulty staying cool or reaching an air-conditioned location.
    Consider checking on:
    — older family members
    — neighbors
    — children
    — people living alone
    — people without reliable air conditioning
    — anyone without transportation
    Ways to help:
    — making a phone call
    — sharing water
    — helping someone reach a cooler location
    — checking whether they have power
    — sharing official heat resources
    SOMETIMES
    HEAT SAFETY

    LOOKS LIKE
    A PHONE CALL.

    "Are you okay?"

    Community starts close to home.

    BEFORE TEMPERATURES CLIMB

    A Simple Extreme Heat Preparation Checklist

    WATER

    Keep drinking water available.

    COOLING PLAN

    Know where you can go if your home becomes too hot.

    POWER

    Charge phones and portable devices.

    MEDICATIONS + ESSENTIALS

    Make sure essential household supplies are accessible.

    FOOD

    Understand refrigerator and freezer safety before an outage occurs.

    CONTACTS

    Know who in your family or neighborhood may need assistance.

    CARBON MONOXIDE

    Check that carbon monoxide detectors function properly.

    LOCAL INFORMATION

    Know where to find official Los Angeles heat and emergency information.

    KNOW THE SIGNS.
    KEEP WATER CLOSE.

    KNOW WHERE
    TO COOL DOWN.

    PREPARE FOR
    POWER LOSS.

    CHECK ON
    THE PEOPLE
    AROUND YOU.

    HEAT SAFETY
    STARTS BEFORE
    THE EMERGENCY.
    COMMON QUESTIONS

    Los Angeles Heat Wave Safety FAQs

    What are the warning signs of heat stroke?+
    Heat stroke warning signs can include a very high body temperature, confusion, altered behavior, severe headache, dizziness, nausea, hot or red skin, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness or seizures.
    Is heat stroke a medical emergency?+
    Yes. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. If heat stroke is suspected, 911 should be called immediately.
    What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?+
    Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses water and salt, causing heavy sweating, weakness and nausea. If untreated, it can progress. Heat stroke is a critical emergency where the body can no longer control its temperature, which can cause confusion, loss of consciousness and severe symptoms requiring immediate 911 medical help.
    Should you wait until you are thirsty to drink water during a heat wave?+
    No. Thirst can be an unreliable indicator of hydration. It is generally recommended to drink water regularly throughout the day before becoming thirsty or overheated.
    What should I do if the power goes out during extreme heat?+
    Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Close curtains during the day to block sun. Keep hydrating, reduce strenuous activity, and consider moving to an air-conditioned public cooling location if your home becomes dangerously hot.
    How long will food stay cold in a refrigerator during a power outage?+
    An unopened refrigerator can generally keep food cold for approximately 4 hours, provided the doors remain closed.
    How long can a freezer stay cold without electricity?+
    A full freezer may maintain temperature for approximately 48 hours, while a half-full freezer may maintain it for about 24 hours, if the doors remain completely closed.
    Can I use a generator inside my garage during a power outage?+
    No. Never operate a generator, grill, or camp stove inside a home, garage, enclosed patio, or other enclosed space due to the risk of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.
    Where can I find cooling centers in Los Angeles?+
    Cooling resources can include libraries, recreation centers, pools and splash pads. Because operating hours and locations change, residents should check the official City of Los Angeles extreme heat resources page.
    Can I call 311 for heat-wave information in Los Angeles?+
    Yes. Los Angeles residents can call 311 for local information and assistance locating current public cooling resources.
    What should I do if my home becomes too hot during an outage?+
    If your home becomes dangerously hot during a power outage, consider going to a shaded area, a public cooling center, a library, or another air-conditioned public space.
    When should outdoor activity be limited during extreme heat?+
    Activity may need to be reduced or moved to cooler morning/evening hours, with shade, breaks and hydration.
    How can I prepare for the next Los Angeles heat wave?+
    Keep extra drinking water, know the location of local cooling centers, charge mobile devices, keep essential medications accessible, ensure your carbon monoxide detectors work, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
    CD LAW | LOS ANGELES

    Stay Informed. Stay Prepared. Look Out for the People Around You.

    At Custodio & Dubey LLP, CD LAW, we believe serving Los Angeles also means helping our community stay informed. Extreme heat can become dangerous quickly, and a little preparation can make a meaningful difference when temperatures rise or the power goes out.