Extreme Heat Community Resources Toolkit

THE CHALLENGE

Los Angeles’ heat season now extends until November and within 30 years we expect to have 10 times as many heat waves every year. Hotter, longer heat waves caused by climate change are one of the greatest threats to public health and habitability. Extreme heat is sending more people to the hospital, and causing more deaths, than any other climate hazard in Los Angeles. These are preventable deaths and hospitalizations.

KNOW HOW HEAT IMPACTS YOU

The risk for heat-related illness increases for children, pregnant people, outdoor workers, people experiencing homelessness, and older adults. Scroll down to see tips for each group.

PREPARE TO STAY COOL

What can you do to prepare?

Plan ahead and check the weather reports
Create a buddy system. Check on your neighbors, especially elders, young children, and pregnant people.

STAY COOL & HYDRATED

If you feel too hot, go somewhere cool and rest. In Los Angeles City, see the Cool Spots LA App. In LA County, find a cooling center or public library.
Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing.
Take cool showers.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Drink more water, limit caffeine, and carry a reusable water bottle.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Learn the warning signs of heat illness: heavy sweating, clammy skin, cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, high body temperature.
If you experience these symptoms and suspect heat stroke, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

STAY INFORMED

Join NotifyLA.org to get alerts before heat waves arrive.

COOL YOUR HOME

💡🏡💰 Updates to your home can help lower energy bills

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) programs: Weatherize and make your home more energy efficient (for low-income homeowners and renters that qualify).

Cool Roofs 101 & the City of LA's Cool Roofs program: Learn about cool roofs and rebates for LADWP customers.

Solar programs: Learn more about solar energy rebates for LADWP customers.

Solar energy in LA guidelines: Learn more about the process of implementing solar energy in your home.

Southern California Edison’s Energy Savings Assistance Program: Income-qualified customers may be eligible to receive energy-efficient appliances at no charge or a minimal charge.

Find Community Services or Other Assistance

Department of Community Services and Development (CSD): Get help paying for bills, weatherizing your home, and other services.

PAY YOUR ENERGY BILL

💵 Get help paying energy bills

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP):

Cool LA - LADWP has increased their rebates on cooling units and offers a number of discounts and special rate programs, including a new monthly payment program. Use the Financial Assistance Qualification Form to see if you qualify for discounts.

Southern California Edison:

Discounted Rates - California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) reduces energy bills for eligible customers by about 30%. Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) reduces electric bills for qualified households by 18%. Both programs have the same application, and it only takes 2 minutes to sign up with no additional documentation required.

One-Time Bill Assistance - SCE works with United Way and over 80 community-based organizations, which help qualified customers apply for assistance.

SoCalGas:

Customer Assistance Programs: If you're having trouble paying your gas bill, see if you qualify for past due bill forgiveness, discounts, or one-time grants.

Local Organizations Working to Address Extreme Heat

UCLA C-Solutions – See which communities have more excess ER visits due to extreme heat at http://uclaheatmaps.org/

SHARE THESE TIPS

In June 2022, the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative (LARC) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) partnered to launch a social media campaign to help those most at risk for heat-related illness protect themselves, their families, and their communities. We encourage you to continue sharing content on your channels. There is no cost to use these resources, but please include #HeatSafeLA on your posts.

A social media toolkit and links to all of the graphics and related captions are available below.

Access social media toolkit Access high resolution graphics