Heat & Disability
Some disabilities and chronic health conditions can make it harder to regulate body temperature or recognize signs of heat-related illness.
People with these conditions are at increased risk of heat illness:
Amputation
Diabetes
Mental health conditions
Neurological disorders
Neuromuscular disorders
Spinal cord injuries
Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases
Stay safe in the heat:
Some medications affect how your body handles heat. Talk to a provider you trust— like your doctor, pharmacist, or therapist— about your risks.
Carry a cooling item: ice pack, spray bottle, or damp cloth.
Stay indoors during peak heat, and use A/C if you can.
Plan ahead for hot days:
Visit a cooling center, library, or mall during peak heat hours.
Plan ahead for power outages. Medical devices and medications may rely on electricity, such as refrigeration.
Avoid the sun during the hottest times of day, carry a water bottle with you, and stay in A/C, if possible.
Make a plan with a friend and check on each other this summer!
Resources
Every person has unique needs. These general resources are for your reference but may not be what you’re looking for. If you’re not sure, please ask a professional or health worker who may give you resources better suited for you.
Have any suggestions? Please let us know at larc@ioes.ucla.edu.
Need help getting to a cool place?
Find an open center near you: ready.lacounty.gov/heat
Call (213, 310, 323, 818) 808-2273 or any of the following for a ride:
Access LA: Find free or reduced-fare rides. Phone: +1 (800) 827-0829
LADOT Access: Find free or reduced-fare rides
Utilities Help
LADWP Medical Baseline: ladwp.com/medicalbaseline
SoCal Edison: sce.com/medicalbaseline
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Apply via: https://www.csd.ca.gov/energybills
211 LA: Call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org to connect with emergency utility assistance and other services.
Personal Emergency Preparedness
Stay Cool LA Alerts by City of LA
IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services): If services are disrupted (e.g., caregiver can’t come), reach out to your IHSS social worker for emergency support options.
Disabled Mutual Aid
Find your local pod on Instagram or Facebook- these groups often distribute fans, cold packs, or check in during heatwaves.
LA Disability Pride / Disability Community Resource Centercan connect you to peer support and cooling options.
Are you looking for disability services?
LA County DPSS: Find In-Home Supportive Services, General Relief, and a Restaurant Meals program.
LA City Emergency Preparedness Program
California Department of Managed Healthcare
California Department of Health Care Services
If you're supporting others:
Find a buddy for daily check-ins.
Prepare to-go bags with medical supplies, cooling towels, and power banks.
