Extreme Heat Alert – SoPas Cooling Center Triggered

The City of South Pasadena will open Cooling Centers today Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 2015, due to temperature forecast at 102 degrees and decreasing to 96 degrees by Monday, with humidity predicted over 60%.

The South Pasadena Senior Center is open for refuge from 8 am to 5 pm (Monday through Friday), and the South Pasadena Public Library, Mon-Weds: 11 am – 9 pm; Thurs. – Fri. 10 am – 6 pm; Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Sun. 1 pm- 5 pm. However, both facilities will be closed October 12 in observance of the Columbus Day.

Both facilities offer cold water and air conditioning for the public. If you plan to be outdoors, please take precautions from the sun and heat.

• Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest.
• Reduce physical activity.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light colored lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when you are outdoors
• Avoid hot, heavy meals that include proteins.
• Set your air conditioner between 75° to 80°. If you don’t have air-conditioning take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air conditioned facility.
• Check on elderly neighbors and family and friends who do not have air conditioning.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.
• Use sun screen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun.
• Don’t forget about pets, they need plenty of water and shade.
• Insulate your home by installing weather stripping around your doors and windowsills to keep the cool air inside.

Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst.

Should you have questions contact the South Pasadena Senior Center at (626) 403-7360. Or the South Pasadena Public Library at (626) 403-7330.