USC Dorms Heating Up In LA Heat Wave
Thermometers in Los Angeles have been reading triple digits, but on the campus of the University of Southern California, some students are feeling the heat more than others.
Freshman, who are required to live on campus by the university, are facing the high temperatures without the benefit of air conditioning. In fact, all of USC's dorm-style residential living options lack air conditioning units, and students must pay nearly 900 dollars per semester to live in suite-style options with the added air conditioning amenity.
One freshman, Kate Franklin, says that the prolonged heat this year has taken her by surprise.
"It's definitely a lot cooler back home," Franklin said. "It's extremely hot still, and I really didn't expect to have to deal with the heat this far into the semester.
According to the National Weather Service, this week's three straight days of triple-digit temperatures in Los Angeles mark the first time in 25 years that type of extreme weather has occurred. Even though temperatures are expected to drop off in the near future, the heat is still being felt all around the city.
Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Daniel Cook noted that heat waves often coincide with an uptick in the number of medical transports across the city. This week has been no different.
"Over the course of the last few days, we've seen about 15-20 percent more transports," said Cook. "The best thing a person can do is stay hydrated and stay in cool places, like libraries, if air conditioning is not available.
