Los Angeles: Hours and Locations of Free Cooling Centers

Key points: Los Angeles activated nine free cooling centers with extended hours, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., through Friday, August 28. Temperatures could exceed 100 °F in several areas. LADWP requested energy conservation and LAFD deployed additional resources for the emergency. Residents can also visit libraries, recreation centers, and public pools to escape the heat.

Los Angeles is facing an extreme heat wave from Tuesday, August 25 through Friday, August 28. The city activated nine cooling centers with extended hours to protect residents.

The warning went into effect at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday and will remain in effect until 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Temperatures could exceed 100 °F in areas such as Lancaster, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, and Simi Valley.

Where are the free cooling centers?

The nine centers with extended hours will operate from Tuesday, August 25 through Friday, August 28. Hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at all locations.

In the San Fernando Valley are the Canoga Park Senior Citizens’ Center, at 7326 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park. Also the North Hollywood Senior Citizen Center, at 5301 Tujunga Ave.

Near downtown are the Pecan Recreation Center and the Highland Park Adult Senior Citizen Center. South Los Angeles has the Algin Sutton Recreation Center, at 8800 S. Hoover St.

On the west side operates the Pan Pacific Senior Activity Center, at 141 S. Gardner Ave. The port area has the East Wilmington Greenbelt Community Center, at 918 N. Sanford Ave.

Other options to escape extreme heat

In addition to these nine locations, Los Angeles offers hundreds of additional facilities to escape the heat. These include Recreation and Parks locations and public library branches.

Residents can check locations and hours on the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks and Los Angeles Public Library websites. They can also call the free 3-1-1 line for more information.

Public pools and splash pads will remain open during their regular hours. This information is available on the Recreation and Parks Aquatics page.

How to identify heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, and severe headaches.

Heat stroke is a more serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. Its signs include body temperature of 103 °F or higher, hot skin, and mental confusion.

Other symptoms include rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. At any of these signs, action must be taken without delay.

What to do in an extreme heat emergency?

Heat stroke requires immediately calling 911. While help arrives, the person must be moved to a cool location.

It is recommended to use cold cloths or a lukewarm bath to lower body temperature. Do not give fluids to someone who is unconscious or confused.

People with asthma or heart disease are more vulnerable to extreme heat. Safety materials in Spanish are available through Climate4LA.

Recommendations to protect pets

Never leave a pet alone inside a car, or with the window slightly open. Heat inside a vehicle increases very quickly, even in minutes.

Experts recommend keeping pets inside the house whenever possible. If they stay outside, they need constant shade and fresh water available.

A simple test is to touch the pavement before going for a walk. If it is too hot for your hand, it is also too hot for the animal’s paws. More tips are available at LA Animal Services.

Energy conservation and emergency response

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) asked residents to conserve electricity during these days. Massive use of air conditioning increases energy demand across the city.

LADWP recommends setting thermostats to 78 °F when possible. If a home is empty and has no pets, it suggests turning off air conditioning completely.

In case of a blackout, residents can report it to 1-800-DIAL-DWP. They can also register to receive text or email alerts at LADWP Outage Alerts.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) monitors weather conditions constantly. The agency deployed helicopters, water trucks, and additional equipment for possible emergencies.

What can residents do now?

Residents should avoid direct sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. It is also advisable to check on how family members and neighbors are doing, especially older adults and children.

Those without air conditioning at home can visit any of the nine cooling centers through Friday. They can also register for LAFD Alerts to receive notices during the emergency.