With temperatures expected to rise to more than 90 degrees during each of the next several days, the City of West Hollywood will activate 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 be open today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cooling center days of operation may be extended if temperatures continue to remain above 90 degrees.
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. They include 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 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 service. Cityline is an accessible alternative to the larger bus system and all shuttles are ADA-accessible. 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 — route maps are also available on Cityline shuttles.
High heat can make the weather dangerous as well as uncomfortable. The city reminds residents to take precautions to keep as cool as possible during hot days. If possible, stay out of the sun; avoid strenuous activity; drink plenty of water; and wear lightweight clothing.
Pets and children are particularly vulnerable to high-heat conditions. Every year, children and pets suffer and die when left unattended in parked vehicles. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can soar to 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes — even with windows cracked open. Think twice before ever leaving a child or a pet in a parked vehicle, even for just a moment.
Smart move as many older apartments in the city are not allowed or capable of having a air-conditioning unit.