Cooling centers offer heat relief

Published on July 17, 2023

A heat wave of high humidity and temperatures in the 90s and above is expected through this week, particularly impacting older residents who can feel more distress and often have fewer options for beating the heat. Below are a few resources for cooling centers and information for staying cooler at home without air conditioning.

Cooling centers (open to residents of all ages) are available at:

Bloomfield Park at 21420 Pioneer Blvd. (562-865-1717) Mayfair Park at 5720 Clark Ave. (562-866-4776)

The park facility hours are:

• Monday:-Friday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Help for Lakewood seniors

Lakewood seniors can use the free DASH Transit service as transportation if they can’t drive or don’t have a ride. For more information on DASH, call 562-924-0149.

The Weingart Senior Center, located at 5220 Oliva Avenue, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30. For more information, call 562-630-6141 or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/cooling for the regular hours of operation.

The Burns Community Center, located at 5510 Clark Avenue, is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lakewood Center

Lakewood Center is another great option for staying cool.

Hours are:

• Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A few tips for staying cool at home without air conditioning

• Wet your wrists and neck with cold water.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Use perspiration to cool the body down.  Water vapor produced by sweating actually takes heat away from your body if it is exposed to air and allowed to evaporate.  Put yourself in the path of a cool breeze or fan.
• Drink water, even if you are not thirsty!  You must replace the fluids lost in perspiration to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid direct sunlight.  Stay in a shaded area if possible.
• Keep the air flowing.  Turn on the ceiling fan or box fan in the room.
• Prepare your home against the heat.  In the evening, open windows and use fans to create a cross-breeze, circulating cooler evening air through the rooms.  Open your kitchen cupboards at night; if you leave them closed, they store the heat and your house won’t cool off as much.
• Get Wet!  Take a cool shower or bath.  Wet your hair.  Fill a basin with water and sit with your feet in it.
• Place a wet towel on the back of your neck and also on the top of your head.
• Take your shoes and hat off when you are indoors.