With summer comes challenges to our health, especially from extreme heat and wildfires. Below, tips to help keep you safe.

Tips for Staying Safe During Extreme Heat
With summer comes the risk of harm from extreme heat. Below, tips on how to stay cool and safe.
Stay hydrated and drink extra water
Avoid strenuous activities between 10 am and 8 pm
If working outdoors, take frequent breaks and rest in shaded areas
Take shelter in air-conditioned environments and visit community cooling centers
Never leave a child, disabled person, or pet locked in a car
Check on older and vulnerable loved ones and neighbors
Pay attention to Flex Alerts, issued to conserve energy when the power grid is threatened
Keep blinds or shades closed on windows to keep your home cool
Turn off unnecessary lights
Conserve energy; good tips here


Wildfire Safety
- Be prepared: the Los Angeles Fire Department Ready Set Go Plan; the CalFire Wildfire Action Plan; the CDC;s Preparing for Wildfires; Staying Safe During a Wildfire ; Staying Safe After a Wildfire.
- See the latest map of wildfires from CalFire
- Sign up for alerts from the LA Fire Department
- Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
More in our Wildfire Safety Guide
Water Safety
- Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in children less than 15 years old. CDC tips on how to protect children from drowning.
- Prevent access backyard pools when not in use. Install fencing and use locks/alarms for windows and doors.
- Know how to recognize and respond to a swimmer in distress and how to perform CPR.
- Do not swim alone and use the buddy system.
- Don’t mix water activities/recreation with the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs or other mind-altering substances.
- Do not swim when overtired, overheated, or immediately after eating.
- Do not swim in unfamiliar areas, which may harbor unknown dangerous currents, deep holes, debris or other hazards.
- More water safety tips from California State Parks
Sun Safety
Protect yourself from sunburns and skin cancer with these tips.
- Wear hats with wide brims, sit under umbrellas or in shaded areas.
- Put on broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside.
- Throw away sunscreen after 1-2 years, as they lose potency.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eye from UV damage.
More tips from California State Parks and the CDC