With High Temperatures Coming, West Hollywood Is Offering Fans and Water to Those in Need

UPDATE Sept. 4: The City of West Hollywood has announced that it has re-opened its cooling center at Plummer Park. The cooling center is located at the Plummer Park Community Center, Rooms 5 and 6, at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., and it will provide limited access to ensure adequate social (physical) distancing. The cooling center will remain open until 6 p.m. today. On both Saturday and Sunday it will be open from noon to 6 p.m. It will be closed on Monday, due to the Labor Day holiday.

In the announcement of its opening, the city says “the cooling center has implemented a series of COVID-19 health and safety measures in compliance with health officer orders and protocols established by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. This includes: temperature checks, sign-in, hand sanitizing upon entry, and frequent wipe-downs of high-touch surfaces. The cooling center has been set up with a limited maximum occupancy of 30 guests in order to ensure adequate social (physical) distancing and face coverings are required. Staff members at Plummer Park are available to direct people to the cooling center.

The city provides free transportation to Plummer Park through its Cityline shuttle service. Cityline operates Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and shuttles arrive approximately every 30 minutes. Face coverings are required on Cityline vehicles. For additional information and a detailed route map, visit www.weho.org/cityline.

With temperatures forecast to climb to more than 100 degrees this Labor Day weekend, the City of West Hollywood has launched a fan delivery service to serve older residents and those who are disabled.

The program provides a box fan and a case of bottled water to residents who do not have access to air conditioning and who would have otherwise used the city’s cooling center at Plumer Park when temperatures rise above 90 degrees. The Plummer Park cooling center has been closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city’s Social Services program administrators and nonprofit agencies that contract with the city have helped identify residents who may be adversely affected by high temperatures and have offered them the fans and water.  To obtain a fan and water, call the city’s Social Services Division at (323) 848-6510 and leave a message that includes your name, phone number, and address, no later than 2 p.m. Friday. It’s important to order early because the program will not be able to accommodate requests for deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.

In its announcement of the program, the city tells residents that “If you feel symptoms of dehydration or heat cramps, such as dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst, call 911 …. It’s especially important to protect yourself from the heat and avoid strenuous activity if you  have heart disease, asthma or other lung disease. Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst.”

Tips for Staying Safe

• Stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment, especially older adults. If your home or apartment is not air conditioned, consider going outside to a private shady area that has a breeze, such as a patio or courtyard – please be mindful of social distancing and wear a face covering to protect yourself and others;
• Remember to check on neighbors, family, and friends — especially older adults and people with health conditions — to make sure they are well. Take them extra water or a cool beverage, but maintain social distancing and wear a face covering.
• When out for essential needs such as groceries or medications, never leave anyone unattended in a closed vehicle, including pets! (For more pet care tips visit www.animalcare.lacounty.gov) and make sure your pets also have easy access to water and a cool place to rest;
• Also when out for those essential needs, seek shady spots; wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim and use plenty of sunscreen. Heat can be dangerous, especially in direct sun.
• At home, keep air conditioners set to 78 degrees or set fans to cool;
• Close blinds and drapes to block out direct heat;
• Use major appliances in early morning or after 7 p.m., when energy demand is lower; and
• Turn off lights, air conditioners, computers, televisions, and other electronics when not in use.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing;
• Drink water often. Do not wait until you are thirsty;
• Avoid or reduce unnecessary exertion or vigorous exercise.