Tips and Resources to Beat the Heat and Conserve Energy
LOS ANGELES (June 15, 2021)–Temperatures this week are expected to reach and stay in or near triple-digits, in parts of the southland, including here in Los Angeles, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat warning for Los Angeles County. A heat warning means that some people can be seriously affected by heat if precautions are not taken.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) urges our customers to take precautions to stay safe in this #LAHeat. The City of Los Angeles has opened available cooling centers that include libraries, senior centers and other rec and park facilities. Click here for more information on cooling centers in your neighborhood.
Other ways to ensure you and your family stay safe in the heat:
- Ventilate your home in the early morning and evening when it’s cooler, by opening windows and doors
- Close window curtains, shades or blinds during warmer hours in rooms exposed to direct sunlight
- Limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest part of the day
- Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- If outdoors, wear sunscreen, sunglasses and loose, protective clothing and seek shade whenever possible
- Do not leave children, pets or the elderly in an enclosed car
For those who are working from home, there are ways to stay cool while also conserving energy:
- Adjust air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day
- If you are away from your home, turn your air conditioning systems off.
- Limit use of major appliances during peak hours of the day. Use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during the early morning hours or during late evening hours, after 9 p.m.
- Turn off lights and other electrical equipment when they are not in use. This includes unplugging “energy vampires” like cell phone chargers, microwave ovens and other appliances when not in use.
- Order takeout or prepare food that doesn’t require the use of a stove and range, helping to keep temperatures down indoors.
Some other resources for information during the heat are:
–The City of LA’s Emergency Management Dept.
–The National Weather Service of Los Angeles
–Flex Alert information from the California Independent System Operator
LADWP will continue to provide safety tips, conservation tips and other relevant information to our customers during the heat wave through various channels. Follow us on Twitter (@LADWP) and we’re also on NextDoor.com.
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