The city of West Hollywood has taken action in response to the high temperatures and Heat Advisory in Southern California. To provide relief to the community, they have opened the Cooling Center at Plummer Park.
The Cooling Center’s operating hours are as follows:
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- Saturday, September 7th, from 10 a.m.
to 7 p.m. - Sunday, September 8th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, September 7th, from 10 a.m.
The Plummer Park Community Center, Senior Lounge, situated at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd, serves as the designated Cooling Center in West Hollywood. It becomes operational when the temperature reaches 90 degrees or higher.
The City of West Hollywood offers a convenient and accessible transportation service called Cityline, which provides free rides to Plummer Park. This service serves as a friendly alternative to the larger bus system and ensures that all shuttles are ADA-accessible. Cityline operates from Monday to Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. and running until 6 p.m. Shuttles arrive approximately every 30 minutes, allowing for convenient travel. If you need more information or a detailed route map, you can visit www.weho.org/cityline. Additionally, route maps are also available on the shuttles themselves.
Hot weather can be not only uncomfortable but also hazardous. It is essential for residents and community members to take necessary measures to stay as cool as possible during high temperatures. It is advisable to avoid direct exposure to the sun, minimize physical exertion, stay hydrated by drinking ample amounts of water, and opt for lightweight clothing.
It is crucial to remember that high-heat conditions pose a significant risk to both pets and children. Tragically, every year, there are cases where children and pets suffer or even lose their lives due to being left unattended in parked vehicles. To put this into perspective, on a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can skyrocket to 120 degrees in just a matter of minutes. Similarly, on a scorching 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach a staggering 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes, even if the windows are cracked open. It is absolutely essential to think twice before ever leaving a child or a pet in a parked vehicle, even if it’s just for a brief moment.
Walking your furry friend on hot pavement can be extremely dangerous for their paws. Ground temperatures can rise significantly higher than the surrounding air, and pavement and sidewalks can absorb and retain heat quickly. To check if it’s safe to take your pet out for a walk, you can perform a simple seven-second test. Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it becomes too hot to hold for the entire duration, it’s a clear sign that the surface is also too hot for your pet’s paws. It’s best to avoid walking on concrete, brick, and asphalt during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, opt for cooler ground temperatures early in the morning or late in the evening. By doing so, you can ensure the comfort and safety of your furry companion.
To find more tips on how to handle extremely hot days and discover the best places to stay cool in West Hollywood, make sure to check out the Cooling Center website page at www.weho.org/coolingcenters.