How to Stay Safe and Beat the Heat This Summer

Heat waves are becoming all too common—and hotter—thanks to climate change. That’s bad news.

They put undue stress on our energy grid, causing energy operators to trigger dirtier energy options that harm the environment.

Heat waves also put serious stress on our health. Heat stroke can cause serious longterm health issues, and in some cases, death. While nothing is as important as your health, heat waves also come for your wallet, your pets, and your summer outdoor fun.

Yikes. Let’s cool it down, folks. Here’s how to keep your chill during the summer heat as we all work on creating a more climate resilient Los Angeles together.

The dos and don’ts of extreme heat

Extreme heat events are when the weather is much hotter (or more humid) than average for a particular time and place. As average temperatures rise in the United States and around the world, extreme heat events are also on the rise. Fifteen of the 16 warmest years in recorded history have occurred since 2000. And in the spring of 2022, the LA area broke heat records across the county.

Extreme heat emergencies cause more deaths than any other single weather-related disaster. It’s critical to understand some basic dos and don’ts during this increasingly common emergency.

THE DOs:

• Take cool showers to help cool off.

• Minimize direct exposure to the sun.

• Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothes.

• Eat easy to digest foods like salads and fruits.

• Use electric fans to stay cool when the temperature is below 95°, because fans help sweat evaporate from your body.

• Understand and recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

THE DON’Ts:

• Exercise between 10am and 5pm.

• Eat heavy foods or wear heavy clothing.

• Use the stove or oven to cook.

• Leave children or pets alone in cars.

Experience your neighborhood chill

According to federal data in 2019, nearly 25% of California households lacked cooling units. Unfortunately, part of that high number of hot households is due to the fact that Los Angeles does not currently require that landlords provide air conditioners or central air to tenants.

Okay. Enough with the bad hot takes. The good news is that L.A. does offer nearly 160 cooling centers across the city and county—free, indoor air-conditioned locations where you can can find relief during the heat.

Weird ways to keep cool

Here are some energy-friendly—and slightly odd—ways to beat the heat!

1 - Eat spicy food

Yup. You read that right. Your mouth might burn, but spicy food enhances circulation and causes you to sweat. Guess what? Sweating is the body’s A/C.

2 - Ditch caffeine, sugar, and booze

We know a cold White Claw might sound good in the summer heat! But your body has to work hard to metabolize sugar, caffeine, and alcohol—which warms your internal temperature. Instead, down as much good ole H2O as you can.

3 - Freeze your sheets

Not. A. Typo. Put your bed sheets in the freezer a couple hours before bedtime. That way your bed is cool enough for you to fall asleep without turning on the A/C and potentially without using a fan.

4 - Put your topicals in the fridge

That moisturizer that you put on every morning? Stick it in the fridge overnight. Wake up, apply it, and immediately feel an unparalleled, hydrating cool. Plus, there’s some research that says putting moisturizer in the fridge can help reduce puffiness.

Experience LA chill in the heat

Palm trees. Coastlines. The Hollywood sign. Angelenos know these iconic outdoor scenes all too well. But what happens when it’s too hot out to safely enjoy these wonderful outdoor activities? We have just as much fun indoors!

Here’s a quick list of ways to be cool while staying cool in the City of Angels.

1 - Have a movie marathon or binge a show at home.

Popcorn. A cool breeze from a fan. Roommates and/or friends next to you on the couch. A great story with a great soundtrack behind it. The only heat you’ll feel is the chemistry between the two onscreen leads. Plus this is an affordable option!

2 - Get nerdy.

LA has an abundance of great science museums—like the Kids Space Museum— where you can learn while cooling off. The Griffith Observatory is another iconic place to chill while learning about space.

3 - Guest star on a TV show.

Beloved shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Price Is Right need butts in their cold seats. Angelenos—as locals—are uniquely positioned to fill those seats in the chilly TV studios, often for free. Here’s how.

4 - Skydive… indoor!

Like the idea of skydiving, but hate the risk? A hot day is a great reason to skydive indoors at iFLY in City Walk. The only heat you’ll feel is from the adrenaline rush, and it’s a great way to stay cool while experiencing an exhilarating activity.