Health

Heat hacks: How to stay cool without air conditioning

Lisa Brenner with KPCC staff | October 24, 2017

Warning signs | Cooling centers | Pets

A fall heat wave is bearing down on Los Angeles, with triple-digit temperatures hitting Southern California Tuesday and with temperatures in the 80s and 90s through the rest of the week. We've collected maps and links to cooling centers, along with tips to stay cool and protect yourself against heat-related illnesses.

Los Angeles County has issued an list of community cooling centers, and KPCC has curated some other stay-cool tips for air-conditionally challenged residents across the region.

Below you'll find practical advice from health officials, local resources from safety professionals and questionable suggestions from formerly hot people.

Do you have a dependable method for hacking your body temperature? Tell us via Twitter or leave a comment below.

AND NOW, A WORD ABOUT DRINKING

In the face of tyrannical temperatures, it is essential to stay hydrated. Failing to drink enough water can result in a number of dangerous defeats, including, but not limited to, heat cramps, heat stroke and death.

However, not all beverages are on your side. To make sure you're imbibing only allies, follow these basic guidelines:

Tip: Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water or electrolyte-replacements

Tip: Drink cool water, not extremely cold water (which can cause cramps)

Tip: Avoid sweetened drinks, caffeine, alcohol

The CDC says that in extreme heat you must increase fluid intake regardless of your activity level. Eight to 10 glasses of water per day is advised. If engaging in "heavy exercise in a hot environment," they recommend drinking:

Two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids every hour.

SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION

Dizziness

Fatigue

Faintness

Headaches

Muscle cramps

Increased thirst

MORE SEVERE SIGNS

Diminished judgment

Disorientation

Pale and clammy skin

Rapid, weak pulse

Fast, shallow breathing

Unconsciousness

Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

HOW TO LOOK COOL

In times of excessive heat, authorities say to dress like you're on vacation. That includes:

Hat, preferably with a wide brim

Loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeve shirts and pants

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

WHERE IS THE CLOSEST COOLING CENTER?

In L.A., Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, call 3-1-1 or call for a list cooling centers. In the city of Los Angeles, you can also find a list of recreation centers, senior centers and libraries — all good choices for cooling off — online.

Tip: Call the center in advance to make sure seating is available.

Tip: If the center you want is at capacity, or non-operational, head to a local, air conditioned library and cool off with a book about ice fishing in Antarctica.

Below is a map of cooling centers and splash pads/pools provided by L.A. County in 2015. Make sure to search the updated online directory to find the closest location before heading out.

A map of cooling centers provided by 2-1-1 Orange County:

For residents of Riverside County, the public health department has created this list to help you locate a cooling center near you.

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PROTECT A PET FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT

Never leave a pet or animal in a garage
Never leave a pet or animal in a vehicle
Never leave a pet or animal in the sun
Provide shade
Provide clean drinking water

PROTECT A HUMAN FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT

Check in frequently with family, friends and neighbors. Offer assistance or rides to those who are sick or have limited access to transportation. And give extra attention to people most at risk, including:

Elderly people (65 years and older)
Infants
Young children
People with chronic medical conditions
People with mental illness
People taking certain medications (i.e.: "If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot," says the CDC)

OTHER STAY COOL TIPS

Kiddie pool
Lotions in the fridge
Eat spicy foods in the basement (or on the floor) while wearing a damp shirt and listening to the rain setting on your white noise machine
Make sure ceiling fans are running counterclockwise
Wet paper towels. Fold into ankle and wrist cuffs. Freeze. Wear. Repeat.
Build a DIY AC
Build a mini cold air fan
Build an "evaporative cooler for immediate heat relief"
Make a barricade of fans and ice cubes
Go to an air-conditioned public place (movie theater, for example)
Close all the curtains, preferably the heat absorbing kind
Or open all the windows, depending on the breeze situation
Cool bath or shower twice a day
Wash your sheets before bed but don't dry them — put them on the bed damp (provided you're dealing with a dry heat)
Portable A/C unit