Older people and children are most at risk during heat waves like the one currently affecting Southern California

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) — As an extreme heat warning remains in effect in Southern California, it is important to ensure the safety of everyone – especially the most vulnerable.

Seniors and children must be especially careful.

And for many seniors, air conditioning is either not available or too expensive to use.

80-year-old Holly Reed gets through the day with ice water. He finds refuge in the Pasadena Senior Center because he doesn't want to turn on the air conditioning at home.

“I don't use it because I can't afford it,” Reed said. “You're afraid you're going to run out of money at the end of the month because you can't pay anything.”

Like many seniors, Reed lives alone. A climate vulnerability map of Los Angeles County shows that the places where the most seniors live are also the areas most likely to experience extreme heat.

Emergency physician Dr. Roger Yang of Huntington Health, a subsidiary of Cedars Sinai, says that in sweltering temperatures, he typically sees one patient a day suffering from heat exhaustion.

“Maybe they should involve their family to take care of them during these times. Drinking water is very important and I know many of our elderly people don't have that,” Yang said.

Older patients are more likely to suffer from more severe forms of heat illness.

“When heat stroke occurs, most of these people are confused and do not behave normally. Patients may experience multi-organ failure, so their liver may fail,” Yang said.

For senior members in Pasadena who are unable to leave their homes, the Pasadena Senior Center offers personal check-ins during meal deliveries and through regular phone calls.

“This call has been going on throughout the week with a number of seniors who have asked to be called to make sure everyone is OK,” said Pamela Kaye of the Pasadena Senior Center.

Older people usually do not need to be physically active to suffer from heat illnesses. However, in hot weather, many children and young athletes get into trouble due to physical exertion.

And children are more vulnerable because they do not cool themselves as efficiently as adults.

The Los Angeles County climate vulnerability map shows that a high number of children live in areas of extreme heat.

Dr. Yang says it is the adults' job to look for signs.

“They feel dizzy,” Yang said. “They feel nauseous. If they're sweating excessively, that's probably a sign they're heading for heat exhaustion.”

And these warning signs also apply to adults.

Experts advise that if you know a senior or elderly person who does not have air conditioning, check on them and make sure they are staying hydrated and know not to wait until they are thirsty to drink.

Here you will find a list of cooling centers in Los Angeles County as well as a way to find the nearest swimming pool in Los Angeles County.

For more information on the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, visit LA's Beat the Heat website.