Precautions Urged as Heat Wave Expected Throughout the Week

Pasadena officials today reminded residents to take precautions to deal with the hot weather and to check for updates frequently. Although there are currently no Red Flag conditions in Pasadena, weather, Red Flag and fire conditions can change rapidly with high temperatures.

Area vegetation and brush remains extremely dry. Pasadena Fire Department officials urge extra care when using landscaping equipment, as sparks from such equipment or vehicles can ignite brush fires. Remember to discard cigars, cigarettes and other smoking devices properly; use extra caution with barbecues-always have someone watching both the barbecue and the swimming pool when in use.

Pasadena residents and businesses with any power emergencies should call Pasadena Water and Power at (626) 744-4673. For water-related emergencies, call (626) 744-4138.

Residents can sign up for PWP’s Outage Management System to get up-to-date alerts on your phone and by email regarding any power outages by visiting https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-and-power/outage-map/.

Pasadena public health and safety officials also offer the following reminders and precautions during hot weather:

* If possible, stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment, especially the young and the elderly. If your home or apartment is not air-conditioned, consider going to an enclosed shopping mall, a public library or a designated cooling center.
* Remember to check on your neighbors, family and friends-especially the elderly-to make sure they are OK. Take them extra water or a cool beverage.
* Never leave anyone unattended in closed vehicles, including pets! For more pet care tips, visit www.pasadenahumane.org. If you do leave pets unattended in your vehicle, it is now lawful for persons to forcibly open your car to rescue them!
* Make sure your pets have easy access to water and a cool place to stay.
* Keep air conditioners set to 78 degrees.
* Close blinds and drapes to block out direct heat.
* Use energy-efficient fans in conjunction with your air conditioner or as an alternative. Use major appliances in the early morning or after 9 p.m., when energy demand is lower.
* Turn off lights, air conditioners, computers, TVs and other electronics when not in use.
* Set refrigerator to 37 degrees, clean coils regularly and unplug unused secondary fridges.
* Air quality can easily degrade during hot weather. If you have heart disease, asthma or other lung diseases, minimize outdoor activity to reduce heat-related illness.
* Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst.
* Wear light and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
* Drink water often. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
* Avoid/reduce unnecessary exertion or vigorous exercise, whether outside or in a non-air- conditioned building, especially during peak heat hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* Seek shady spots; wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and use plenty of sunscreen

Pasadena Public Swimming Pools

Pasadena-area public swimming pools operated by the City opened June 10 for the summer season. Open/recreation swim fees are $1 for children, teens and seniors; and $2.50 for adults 18 and over. All minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Please call (626) 744-7330 for more information.

* Blair High School, 1201 S. Marengo Ave.
* Pasadena High School, 2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.
* Robinson Park Recreation Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
* Villa-Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St.
Additionally, the splash pad at La Pintoresca Park is also open to the public free of charge.

Pasadena Public Library

While not official Cooling Centers, Pasadena libraries offer an enjoyable, air-conditioned respite from the heat and are, of course, a great place to catch up on your reading! Pasadena Public Library locations are listed below. Click on each location for hours of operation. The public library and all other facilities listed below are subject to change, so please call first if you want to go there.

* Central Library<https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/branches/central-library/>, 285 E. Walnut Street, (626) 744-4066
* Allendale Branch<https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/branches/allendale-library/>, 1130 S. Marengo Ave., (626) 744-7260
* Hastings Branch<https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/branches/hastings-library/>, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 744-7262
* Hill Avenue Branch<https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/branches/hill-avenue-branch/>, 55 S. Hill Ave., (626) 744-7264
* La Pintoresca Branch Library<https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/branches/la-pintoresca-branch/>, 1355 N. Raymond Ave., (626) 744-7268
* Lamanda Park Branch<https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/branches/lamanda-park-branch/>, 140 S. Altadena Dr., (626) 744-7266
* Linda Vista Branch<https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/branches/linda-vista-branch/>, 1281 Bryant St., (626) 744-7278
* San Rafael Branch<https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/branches/san-rafael-branch/>, 1240 Nithsdale Road, (626) 744-7270
* Santa Catalina Branch<https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/branches/santa-catalina-branch/>, 999 E. Washington Blvd., (626) 744
* Villa Parke Branch<https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/branches/villa-parke-community-center-branch/>, 363 E. Villa St., (626) 744-6510

Ice Skating

A trip to the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, 300 E. Green St., is also a good way to beat the heat. Call (626) 578-0800,visit www.skatepasadena.com, or email to pisc@skatepasadena.com.

Pasadena officials also urge all residents to sign up today for emergency alerts and other information from the City by joining the City’s Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System, or PLEAS. PLEAS uses both text and voice messages to keep residents and community members in Pasadena informed in case of citywide or major emergencies. Register now at http://bit.ly/emergency-alert.