Extreme Heat

Are you Prepared for the Heat?

As summer temperatures start climbing in La Habra, it's important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for children, seniors, and those with health conditions. This page provides helpful tips, local resources, and important information on how to stay cool, recognize the signs of heat-related illness, and how to find relief during hot weather. 

Stay Informed: 

Sign up for Emergency Alerts:

The first step in any emergency preparedness plan is to stay informed.

  • Set up tools and apps on your cell phone to get emergency alerts and weather information where you live and work.
  • Monitor local weather reports and consider adding a weather app to your cell phone to get information about weather forecasts.

To receive emergency alerts in Orange County, sign up with AlertOC, the emergency notification system provided by the County of Orange.  AlertOC is a mass notification system designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed of potential emergencies that may occur or that are happening.
 
By registering with AlertOC, you may receive time-sensitive voice messages on your home phone, cell phone, or business phone from the County or the city in which you live or work. Text messages may also be sent to cell phones. AlertOC can send out messages to email accounts and TTY devices as well. AlertOC is operated by the County of Orange in collaboration with local cities.

Heat Related Illnesses:

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1.

Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition that can happen when the body overheats and can no longer cool itself down.  Knowing the warning signs and how to prevent heat stroke can help keep you and your loved ones safe during extreme heat. 

  • Signs:
    • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally 
    • Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
    • Rapid, strong pulse
    • Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness

a graphic depicting the signs of heat stroke

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately.  If possible: move the person suffering from heat stroke into a cool, shaded area; remove any outer clothing; place a cold wet cloth or ice pack on the head, neck, armpits and groin, or soak the person’s clothing with cool water; elevating their feet.

Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can develop after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate hydration.  It is less severe than heat stroke, but can quickly become dangerous if not addressed.  Recognizing the symptoms early and taking steps to cool down can prevent more serious health risks during hot weather. 

  • Signs:
    1. Heavy sweating
    2. Dizziness, headache, tired, or feeling faint
    3. Muscle cramps or weakness
    4. Nausea
    5. Vomiting
    6. Cold, pale, and clammy skin

a graphic depicting the signs of heat exhaustion

Staying Cool in La Habra:

During hot weather, simple steps can help you stay safe.  Follow these tips for staying cool during hot weather:

  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even when not thirsty; drink low-sugar sports drinks (alternating with water) to help replace electrolytes lost if engaging in vigorous work or exercise.  Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and energy drinks as they increase the chances of dehydration.
  • Stay indoors. Staying indoors with an effective cooling system such as a fan or air-conditioning can prevent heat exhaustion. 
  • If outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
  • Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), if possible. 
  • Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
  • Check in on friends and neighbors. Check on your family, friends, and neighbors, especially if they have chronic medical problems or live alone. Check on pets.
  • Never leave pets, children, or anyone unattended in a car. Temperatures can rapidly reach extreme temperatures in a car, which can be life-threatening. 
  • Protecting Your Pets During Hot Weather 
    1. Pets can dehydrate quickly, so make sure to give pets plenty of fresh, clean, cool water when it is hot or humid outdoors. 
    2. Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
    3. Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, but it’s illegal in California!
    4. Ensure pets have plenty of shade and shelter if kept outside, but bring pets inside during periods of extreme heat.
    5. For more tips and information, visit the California Department of Public Health.
  • When temperatures get too hot at home, visit local cooling centers. Air-conditioning and other cooling methods may not always available at home, so visit local cooling centers when they are activated and temperatures are high. 

La Habra Cooling Centers:

When temperatures soar and air conditioning or other cooling methods are not available at home, cooling centers offer a safe, air-conditioned place to temporarily escape the heat. La Habra residents are encouraged to visit designated cooling centers in the City, when activated during extreme heat events. These locations are free and open to the public to help you stay safe, hydrated, and cool. 

Cooling centers are generally only activated when directed to do so by the County of Orange during extended periods of extreme heat, particularly when temperatures reach or exceed 100 degrees for three or more consecutive days.   

When activated, the following cooling centers are available in La Habra:

  • The Community Center. Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and closed on the weekends. Weekend hours may become available in the event of an extreme heat wave. 
    1. 101 W. La Habra Blvd.
    2. 562-383-4200
    3. Follow on Instagram at:
  • The Police Station Lobby. Open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
    1. 150 N. Euclid St.
    2. 562-383-4300
    3. Follow on Instagram at:

While the La Habra Branch Library is closed for renovations, there are additional cooling centers throughout Orange County. For more information on nearby cooling centers, please visit https://ocgov.com/cooling-centers.  

Splash Zones (May to September)

Another way to stay cool with the kids in the summer heat is to visit the City’s two Splash Zones, which are open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Brio Park- 300 S. Euclid St. 
  • Oeste Park- 2300 W. Lambert Rd.

For more information on the splash zones, contact the La Habra Community Center, at 562-383-4200.