Keeping Cool During a Southern California Heat Wave:

How to Prep your Home or Business as the Temperature Rises. Protect yourself and loved ones by preparing before the high temperatures arrive.

Oct 1st 2026

How to Prepare for a Heat Wave in Southern California

Preparing for extreme heat starts before the temperature rises. Whether you live near the coast or farther inland, having a plan to stay cool can help protect your household when hot weather arrives.

Even coastal residents should prepare, especially in homes without air conditioning. California health officials identify these households as particularly vulnerable during extreme heat. California Department of Public Health

Check Your Local Forecast

Watch the forecast for your specific community and pay attention to National Weather Service heat alerts. Use the CDC HeatRisk Dashboard to check upcoming heat risk by ZIP code.

Plan outdoor activities around cooler hours and be ready to postpone strenuous work, exercise, or outings. Check on family members and neighbors who may need help, particularly older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions. CDC heat health guidance

Prepare Your Home Before the Heat Arrives

Give your cooling equipment a check before you need it most. Make sure your air conditioner operates properly, check its filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and arrange service if cooling seems weak.

Close blinds or curtains on sun-facing windows and reduce indoor heat from ovens and other appliances. Keep drinking water readily available.

Do not rely on a fan alone during extreme heat. If your home cannot stay comfortably cool, spend time in an air-conditioned location. Cool showers and wet cloths can also help you cool down. California heat safety guidance

Find a Cooling Location and Plan Your Ride

Identify a nearby cooling center, library, or other air-conditioned public space before the heat wave begins. Confirm its hours, accessibility, and transportation options. If you have pets, ask whether they are permitted.

For Los Angeles residents, the City of Los Angeles heat resource page provides cooling information. Elsewhere in Southern California, check your city or county’s official website for local options. Verify availability before leaving, since hours and activations can change.

Stay Hydrated and Reduce Outdoor Exposure

Drink water regularly throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. If your clinician has prescribed a fluid restriction, ask how to manage hydration during hot weather.

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and stop immediately if you feel dizzy, weak, or nauseated. Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. National Weather Service heat safety guidance

Prepare for a Power Outage

Have charged phones, portable chargers, flashlights, and essential supplies ready. If someone depends on powered medical equipment, arrange a backup plan with their care team.

Choose a place you can go if an outage makes your home unsafe. Do not wait for indoor conditions to become unbearable before relocating. Ready.gov power outage preparation

Protect Your Pets

Provide fresh water and a cool place to rest. Walk dogs during cooler hours and avoid hot pavement that can injure their paws. Never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. Confirm pet policies before heading to a cooling center. Los Angeles County pet heat safety guidance

Know When Heat Becomes an Emergency

Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, and weakness. Move to a cool location, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, and sip water if fully alert. Seek medical help immediately for vomiting, worsening symptoms, or symptoms lasting longer than one hour.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, and a very high body temperature. Skin may be dry or sweaty. Call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler place, and begin cooling with water or wet cloths while help arrives. Do not give them anything to drink. CDC heat illness guidance

Make Your Heat Plan Today

Test your cooling equipment, choose a backup cooling location, and agree on a check-in plan with loved ones. A little preparation now can help your household respond quickly and stay safer when Southern California temperatures climb.

#SouthernCalifornia #HVAC #ElNino #Heatwave #SoCal #Weather #SoCalweather #Forcast #Heat #California #Petprotection #Poweroutage