How to Beat the Summer Heat in Santa Monica

August 29, 2022 4:21 PM
by Lindsay B. Call

When the June Gloom fog lifts, it’s time for Santa Monicans to prepare for summer sunshine and rising temperatures. Extreme heat (two or three days of high heat with temperatures 90 degrees) may occur—during these events, the body has to work harder to maintain normal temperature. Make sure you are prepared and work with your neighbors to ensure everyone stays healthy when temperatures soar.

Tips to Keep Cool During Santa Monica’s Summer Months:

✔️ Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, even if you aren’t thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol.

✔️ Never Leave People or Pets Alone in Closed Vehicles

The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate.

✔️ Stay Indoors as Much as Possible and Limit Exposure to the Sun

Avoid strenuous activity during the warmest parts of the day, which is generally 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bring pets indoors or if outdoors, be sure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water. Dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
Move outdoor activities to cooler times of the day.
If you are outside, take frequent breaks, find shade, wear light clothing and a hat, and use sunscreen.

✔️ Take Steps to Prepare Your Home if You Don't Have Air Conditioning

Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, or awnings. Consider making temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to place between windows and drapes.
Consider purchasing a window air conditioner and insulation before a heatwave starts. Use attic fans to remove your home’s heat. If temperatures are above 95 degrees outside, do not use electric fans as they could increase the risk of heat-related illness.
Taking a cool bath and staying hydrated can help you stay cool when temperatures increase indoors.

✔️ Check on Family, Friends, and Neighbors

Know the signs and symptoms of heatstroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.
Check on children, older adults, pets, and athletes—who are more vulnerable to extreme heat—to ensure they don’t exhibit signs of heat-related illness.
Check on loved ones or neighbors who don't have air conditioning and may need help during an extreme heat event. If your home has air conditioning, invite them over during the hottest parts of the day.

✔️ Find Places in the Community to Stay Cool

If temperatures soar, develop a plan to spend the warmest part of the day in an air-conditioned environment, such as a friend or family member's air conditioned home or a public library, movie theater, or shopping mall.
Cool off at one of the City's splash pads or swimming pools!
All Big Blue Bus vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and offer easy transportation in a cool environment.
For standard bus routes, single-ride regular fare is only $1.10 and only $0.50 for seniors or persons with disabilities with ID. For trip planning assistance, please visit bigbluebus.com or call (310) 451-5444.
Santa Monica’s MODE service delivers curb-to-curb transportation to registered Santa Monica residents over 65 years and residents with disabilities over 18 years for $0.75 - $1.50. Learn more at bigbluebus.com/mode or by calling (310) 451-5444.

Be Prepared and Learn More:

LA County Extreme Heat & Public Cooling Centers

Authored By

Lindsay B. Call
Chief Resilience Officer