THE CHALLENGE

Extreme heat is already a deadly threat in Los Angeles and projections show a tenfold increase in the annual number of heat waves by mid- century. Risk for heat related illness increases for children, pregnant people, outdoor workers, people experiencing homelessness, and older adults, among others. There are actions we can take, and we need your help to build awareness and share strategies to stay #HeatSafeLA.

CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION

The Los Angeles Regional Collaborative (LARC) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) have partnered to create a social media campaign to share resources and tips with those most at risk for heat related illness. We have recruited more than 75 distribution partners from local government, County departments, academia, and non-profit organizations. We hope you will join us! To receive regular reminders and links to re-share content, please sign-up here.

FLYERS

We hope you will share these flyers at public events and venues throughout Los Angeles! Download PDF versions here. If you would like to make edits or add your logo, access an editable PowerPoint file here.
Let us know where you share these – please send us an email. Also reach out to us if you could share these, but do not have a budget for printing.

Bus Advertisement

We have partnered with LA Metro and LA City’s Climate Emergency Mobilization Office (CEMO) to create an extreme heat Public Service Announcement to run on 2,300+ LA Metro buses from July-September 2023. If your transit agency would like to run a similar advertisement, please email us.

A 2021 report from UCLA’s Luskin Center for Innovation highlights the need for targeted heat risk interventions in common exposure settings, including public transit stops. Relevant interventions include installing shade structures at wait stops, providing transit users with accurate information for when vehicles are expected to arrive, and providing drinking water. The report notes “Informing transit users about the risks of heat illness, and encouraging them to notice warning signs and to take preventative actions are also important.”

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT

There is no cost to use this content, but please include #HeatSafeLA on your posts. The social media toolkit contains links to all of the graphics and related captions in English and Spanish. This heat season, LA City’s Climate Emergency Mobilization Office (CEMO) is running a campaign with additional content – see the CEMO Social Press Kit.

What to Expect This Summer

English: Los Angeles had a mild spring, but our weather is changing — expect more dangerously hot days this summer. This heat season, we’ll share resources on how to protect yourself and your community from extreme heat. Get tips to stay safe on hot days at laregionalcollaborative.com/heat-resources #HeatSafeLA #HeatRelief4LA

Spanish: Los Ángeles tuvo una primavera suave, pero nuestro clima está cambiando — se esperan días peligrosamente calurosos este verano. Este verano, compartiremos recursos sobre cómo protegerte y cómo proteger a tu comunidad del calor extremo. Encuentra medidas para mantenerte sano en laregionalcollaborative.com/heat-resources #HeatSafeLA #HeatRelief4LA

Download high resolution graphics | Access Social Media Toolkit

Physical Health Risks

English Instagram/Facebook Caption: Since summer is around the corner, now is the time to prepare for hotter days! Heat can cause serious illness, so make a plan and take extra care to prevent yourself from getting sick. Swipe for tips to keep yourself healthy in the heat! #HeatSafeLA

Spanish: Como el verano está a la vuelta de la esquina, ¡es el momento de prepararse para los días más calientes! El calor puede causar enfermedades graves, así que prepara un plan y toma precauciones adicionales para evitar que te enfermes. Desliza el dedo para ver los consejos para mantenerse sano con el calor. #HeatSafeLA

Download high resolution graphics and shortened text for Twitter | Access Social Media Toolkit

Mental Health Risks

English Instagram/Facebook Caption: Taking care of your well-being when it’s hot means taking care of both your physical AND mental health. Extreme heat can add to the burden of everyday stress and can affect your mental health. For assistance, visit DMH.LACounty.govor call 800-854-7771. #HeatSafeLA

Spanish: Cuidar de su bienestar cuando hace calor significa cuidar tanto de su salud física como mental. El calor extremo puede añadirse a la carga del estrés diario y puede afectar a su salud mental. Para asistencia visite a DMH.LACounty.gov o llame a 800-854-7771. #HeatSafeLA

Download high resolution graphics in English and Spanish | Access Social Media Toolkit

Cool Down Your Commute

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Heat can complicate your daily commute. Hotter days can mean more stress, more road rage, and more hours exposed to heat. Here are some tips to make your commute safer and a little less difficult. #HeatSafeLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
El calor puede complicar sus viajes diarios al trabajo. Los días más calurosos pueden brindar más estrés, más agresión en la carretera y más horas expuesto al calor. Aquí le compartimos algunas recomendaciones para que su viaje al trabajo sea más seguro y menos difícil.  #HeatSafeLA

Download high resolution images in English and Spanish | Access Social Media Toolkit

Cool Down without A/C

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Climate change is making LA hotter. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, consider these tips to stay safe in the heat. For more information & resources, visit https://bit.ly/HeatResourcesLA #HeatSafeLA #StayCoolLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
El cambio de clima hace que LA sea más caluroso. Si no tiene aire acondicionado en casa, considere estos consejos para mantenerse seguro y sano cuando hace calor. Para más información y recursos, visite: https://bit.ly/HeatResourcesLA #HeatSafeLA #StayCoolLA

Download high resolution images in English and Spanish | Access Social Media Toolkit

Cool Spaces in LA

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Looking for a place to cool down on a hot day? Visit these free public places & centers to help stay cool. To find a center near you, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat #HeatSafeLA #StayCoolLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
¿Busca un lugar para refrescarse en un día caluroso? Visite estos lugares y centros públicos gratuitos para mantenerse fresco. Para encontrar un centro cercano, visite ready.lacounty.gov/heat #HeatSafeLA #StayCoolLA

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

Climate Change & Infrastructure

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Our risk for heat-related illness depends a lot on where we live, work, and play. These places either protect us when it’s hot or don’t. Today we’re covering the “Urban Heat Island Effect”—the reason why some neighborhoods are artificially hotter than others. #HeatSafeLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
Mucho del riesgo de enfermedades relacionadas con el calor depende de donde vivimos, trabajamos y jugamos. Estos lugares nos protegen cuando hace calor o no. El "Efecto de la Isla de Calor Urbano" es una razón que algunas zonas son más calurosos que otras. #HeatSafeLA

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

Stay Involved with Local Orgs

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Get involved in protecting your community from extreme heat. Swipe right for a list of organizations working for a #HeatSafeLA →

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
Involúcrese, proteja a su comunidad del calor extremo. Deslice, a la derecha, para ver una lista de organizaciones que luchan por #HeatSafeLA →

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

Stay Prepared

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Extreme heat is a year-round issue in Los Angeles, especially now with climate change. Check out the hashtag #HeatSafeLA for tips to stay safe on hot days and for staying involved in cooling LA!

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
El calor extremo es un problema durante todo el año en Los Ángeles, especialmente ahora con el cambio climático. ¡Echa un ojo al hashtag #HeatSafeLA para obtener consejos para mantenerse a salvo en los días de calor!

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

High Risk Population 1: Older Adults

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Older adults are at higher risk from extreme heat. Here are some tips to keep yourself and older adults in your life cool and healthy when it’s hot. #HeatSafeLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
Los adultos mayores corren un mayor riesgo de sufrir el calor extremo. Estos son algunos consejos para mantenerse a sí mismo y a los adultos mayores en su vida frescos y saludables cuando hace calor. #HeatSafeLA

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

High Risk Population 2: Children

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Children need extra attention when it’s hot; especially if they’re active and playing outside. Here are some important tips to keep young ones healthy. #HeatSafeLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
Los niños necesitan más atención cuando hace mucho calor, sobre todo si son activos y juegan afuera. Aquí hay algunos consejos importantes para mantener a los pequeños sanos. #HeatSafeLA

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

High Risk Population 3: People with Disabilities/Preexisting Conditions

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Those of us with disabilities or chronic illnesses are at higher risk during hot days, which can also throw off routines you may rely on. If you need help getting to a cool place, call (213, 310, 323, 818) 808-2273 for a ride. #HeatSafeLA #StayCoolLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
Las personas con discapacidades o enfermedades crónicas corren un mayor riesgo durante los días calurosos, lo que también puede alterar su rutina cotidiana. Si necesita ayuda para llegar a un lugar fresco, llame al (213, 310, 323, 818) 808-2273 para solicitar transporte. #HeatSafeLA #StayCoolLA

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

High Risk Population 4: Pregnant People

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Pregnancy during the summers can be difficult to cope with, especially because pregnancy can make you more vulnerable to heat. We’re sharing tips for pregnant folks looking for relief from the heat. #HeatSafeLA #StayCoolLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
El embarazo durante los veranos puede ser difícil de soportar, especialmente porque el embarazo puede hacerle más vulnerable al calor. Aquí compartimos consejos para las personas embarazadas buscando alivio del calor. #HeatSafeLA #StayCoolLA

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

High Risk Population 5: Workers

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
If you work outside or inside without AC, you’re at risk for heat-related illness. Here are some possibly life-saving guidelines to follow at your workplace. #HeatSafeLA #StayCoolLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
Si trabaja al aire libre o adentro, pero sin aire acondicionado, corre el riesgo de sufrir una enfermedad relacionada con el calor. Estas son algunas de las recomendaciones que pueden salvarle la vida en su sitio de trabajo.#HeatSafeLA #StayCoolLA

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

High Risk Population 6: People Experiencing Homelessness (Unhoused Population)

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Heat waves are especially dangerous for people experiencing homelessness, who spend a lot more time outside, and have less access to air conditioning and water than people with stable housing. For more info, visit https://bit.ly/HeatResourcesLA #HeatSafeLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
Las olas de calor son especialmente peligrosas para las personas sin hogar, que pasan mucho más tiempo afuera y tienen menos acceso al aire acondicionado y al agua en comparación con las personas con vivienda estable. Para más información, visite https://bit.ly/HeatResourcesLA #HeatSafeLA

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

High Risk Population 7: Pets

English Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: 
Keep your furry friend happy and healthy by taking extra care of them during extremely hot days. You can follow this easy rule: if you wouldn’t be happy, your pet wouldn’t like it either! #HeatSafeLA

Spanish Instagram/Facebook Caption/Twitter: 
Mantenga a su mascota feliz y san al ponerle más atención durante los días muy calurosos. Puede seguir esta regla sencilla: ¡si ud. no estaría contento, tampoco le gustaría a su mascota! #HeatSafeLA

Download high resolution images | Access Social Media Toolkit

CAMPAIGN BACKGROUND & SUPPORTERS

In 2022, the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative (LARC) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) partnered to create a social media campaign to help those most at risk for heat related illness to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. We recruited 50 distribution partners from local government, County departments, academia, and non-profit organizations. Together our posts reached more than 6,000,000 people that heat season.

The content above was created by LARC staff in partnership with the LACDPH Climate Change Program, Elizabeth Rhoades, Laura Baetscher, and Susan Lesser, and translated into Spanish by Andres Rodriguez at Climate Resolve. We thank Lynn Hur for her research and writing, Yua Watanabe for the graphic design, and Camille Burrus for her evaluation of the 2022 campaign.

In August 2022, UCLA’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) and LARC were awarded a UCLA Transdisciplinary Research Acceleration Grant to assess and revise the campaign in preparation for a 2023 campaign. We assembled a Community Advisory Group to guide the collaborative work across all project phases, including designing and participating in workshops to co-create content and outreach strategies with community members and community leaders. The outputs of this community-engaged process include new communications materials ready for use in the summer of 2023, as well as additional networking and relationship building of community-based organizations, residents, non-profits, and government agencies working to secure a more heat resilient LA.

Thank you to LARC’s network supporters, Accelerate Resilience L.A. (ARLA) a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, the City of Los Angeles Climate Emergency Mobilization Office, Edison International, Second Nature, UCLA’s The Green Initiative Fund, and UCLA’s Transdisciplinary Research Acceleration Grant program for generously sponsoring LARC’s extreme heat campaign during the last two summers.

Questions? Contact Erin Coutts at ecoutts@ucla.edu