LOS ANGELES — With another heat wave bearing down on Southern California, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a Heat Alert today reminding people to take precautions.

The alert will be in effect in the San Fernando Valley from Thursday through Saturday, and on Friday and Saturday in the Pomona area and Santa Clarita Valley.

The county Department of Public Health advised people to protect themselves from the heat by taking steps such as wearing light clothing, remaining indoors and drinking water. Residents were urged to look for signs of heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke as the summer temperatures rise.

For people living without air conditioning, the Department of Public Health urged them to take advantage of cooling centers, shopping malls and libraries to stay cool. A list of cooling centers is available online at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov or by calling 211.