he-publicaffairs@longbeach.gov
Health and Human Services Department
Long Beach, CA – As the summer heats up, the City of Long Beach is reminding residents to stay prepared for extreme temperatures. While no heat alert is currently in effect, the City is encouraging people to take proactive steps to protect themselves and others from heat-related illnesses.
According to the National Weather Service, Long Beach typically experiences around 16 high-heat days—with temperatures at or above 90°F—during July, August and September; however, due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of extreme heat days are expected to increase. Between 2022 and 2024, Long Beach recorded 55 medical emergency calls related to heat-related illnesses, with the highest number of calls involving infants and children up to four years old.
To support residents, the City is highlighting available resources and safety tips that can help reduce heat-related risks. These resources are also provided with consideration in mind for people who live in communities that are disproportionately impacted by extreme heat and are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses due to a lack of shade and green spaces, air-conditioning, fans, Wi-Fi and transportation.
During periods of high heat, air-conditioned public spaces can provide important relief. All Parks, Recreation and Marine Community Centers and Long Beach Public Library branches serve as designated cooling centers during their normal business hours. For details, people may visit longbeach.gov/coolingcenters.
In addition to physical spaces offering relief from the heat, the City is also providing an accessible, digitized heat resource guide to help educate and inform the community. The Community Heat Safety Toolkit includes downloadable flyers, social media graphics and safety tips in multiple languages. The toolkit is available at longbeach.gov/extremeheat.
Whether accessing a cooling center or utilizing the community heat safety toolkit, residents are encouraged to follow essential safety practices during extreme heat. These simple actions can make a difference in preventing heat-related illness.
Below are tips to reduce risk during extreme heat:
- Dress cool. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Stay inside during peak heat (noon–6 p.m.) and use fans or air conditioning.
- Drink water regularly. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
- Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those living alone.
It is also important to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses. Heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache or confusion can be signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe or persist.
The City remains committed to helping residents stay informed and safe throughout the summer and will regularly issue heat alerts and notices during extreme heat events. For more information, visit longbeach.gov/extremeheat.
Emergency alerts and heat notifications are also available through Alert Long Beach. Residents can sign up to receive notifications via phone call, text or email at longbeach.gov/alertlb.
Media inquiries may be directed to the Health Department Public Affairs Office at he-publicaffairs@longbeach.gov.