How to Stay Cool This Weekend

The National Weather Service is warning everyone to stay cool this weekend, and the Echo Park Library wants to help.

The library, located at 1410 W. Temple St., is serving as a cooling center for the entire area.

Anyone can visit the library during its regular business hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, call the library at (213)250-7808.

The Los Angeles County Emergency Management Department also offers the following tips to help you beat the heat: 

• Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest.
• Reduce physical activity.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light colored lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when you are outdoors
• Avoid hot, heavy meals that include proteins.
• Set your air conditioner between 75° to 80°. If you don’t have air-conditioning take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air conditioned facility.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.
• Use sun screen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun.
• Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst.

To find out about other cooling centers in nearby areas, call 3-1-1, or  visit http://lacoa.org/PDF/ESP_FocusSheet_Heatwave_0710.pdf