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5 tips for being safe in the extreme heat blanketing Southern California

by in News

  • Katherine Stinson, of Yucaipa, and her two dogs, Ollie Boy, middle, and Eva Girl, beat the heat with an early morning walk at 7th Street Park in Yucaipa on Wednesday, July 5, 2017. (Photo by Stan Lim, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

  • Children gather in the shade from a tree as they play at 7th Street Park in Yucaipa on Wednesday, July 5, 2017. (Photo by Stan Lim, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

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  • A swallowtail butterfly lands on a lily of the nile in Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday, July 5, 2018. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Phoenix Jones, 7, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. found a sweet way to stay hydrated in near triple-digit late afternoon heat. He and his mom ordered six designer drinks at The Mug Shakes in Rancho Cucamonga. He sips on a Sour Patch shake on July 5, 2018. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

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High temperatures in much of Southern California are expected to eclipse 100 degrees Friday through Monday and even soar to 115 or higher in Inland valleys and deserts during that period.

Safety will be paramount, so here are some tips to beat the heat:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Drink lots of water, even if you are not thirsty. Remember, sweat is a good thing: The air cools the sweat on your skin, lowering your body temperature. A cold beer sounds good, but alcohol, as well as beverages with caffeine, will dehydrate you. Spicy foods actually cause your body heat to rise and make you sweat, which will cool you down.

Avoid the sun

Stay in air-conditioned buildings (fans will cool you but not the room). If you must be outside, wear a hat with a wide brim, use sunscreen and dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Take frequent breaks in the shade. Employers, by law, are required to take safety measures. Never leave children, the elderly or pets in a parked vehicle even for a short period of time.

Share the electricity

Southern California Edison said there should be plenty of power to go around for air conditioners, but you can do your part by setting thermostats at a maximum low of 78 degrees and use appliances at night when there is less demand. Extra crews will be available to fix outages, which can be reported to 800-611-1911. See outage maps at sce.com/outages.

If the home is too hot

Check with your city or county’s public health department for a listing of cool centers, which are air-conditioned public buildings that have food and activities. You can search by ZIP code on the Southern California Edison website under Your Home/Rebates, Incentives & Savings Tips/Energy Saving Tips/Cool Center Locator.

Travel with care

Caltrans cautions drivers to check vehicle fluids and tires to prevent breakdowns, which often happen when climbing hills such as the 15 Freeway in the Cajon Pass on the way to Las Vegas. Pack water, snacks, a charged cellphone, medication, walking shoes, a hat and lightweight clothing in case you have to abandon your car. Check Caltrans’ Quickmap for road conditions.

Friday’s forecast

  • City/High/Low
  • Anaheim 103 72
  • LA 105 79
  • Long Beach 99 74
  • Pasadena 112 81
  • Riverside 112 72
  • San Bernardino 113 79
  • Source: National Weather Service