Precautions Urged As Heat Soars

With hot temperatures predicted for Southern California to last through the weekend, Pasadena City Officials are reminding everybody to take steps now to protect against excessive heat exposure.

National weather reports indicate temperatures could reach 105 degrees across many portions of Southern California at least through Saturday, with possible high temperatures up to 110 degrees in the inland valleys, deserts and foothills.  Weather updates can be found online at www.weather.gov/losangeles.

Pasadena officials offer the following suggestions and tips during the current heat wave:

• 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, a public swimming pool or a designated cooling center.
• Check on your neighbors, family and friends—especially the elderly—to make sure they are OK.  Take them extra water or a cool beverage.
• Air quality can easily degrade during hot weather and individuals with heart disease, asthma or other lung disease should minimize outdoor activity to reduce heat-related illness.  Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst.
• Never leave anyone unattended in closed vehicles.
• Same goes for your pets!  Pets should have easy access to water and should not be left outdoors or in a car during times of excessive high heat.
• Give your major appliances like washers, dryers and dishwashers the afternoon off, using them only during non-peak hours before noon or after 7:00 p.m.
• Keep air conditioners set to about 78 degrees.  As more air conditioners are turned on, the strain on the electric grid could lead to power shortages.
• Use fans and close the drapes or blinds to keep rooms cool and out of direct sunlight.

If your work or recreation plans mean you must be outdoors, please consider the following precautions:

• Wear light and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink water often.  Do not wait until you are thirsty.  Avoid alcohol.
• Reduce physical activity during peak heat hours from about 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Avoid or reduce unnecessary exertion and vigorous exercise, whether you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.
• Seek shady spots if possible and stay out of the sun if you don’t need to be in it.
• Wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim and use plenty of sunscreen.

COOLING CENTERS

In Pasadena, the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St., is the only pre-designated Cooling Center.  The Senior Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday.

Go online to LA County Cooling Centers List to find other designated cooling centers throughout the greater Los Angele County region.

PASADENA PUBLIC LIBRARY

While not official Cooling Centers, the Pasadena Public Library and other local public libraries offer an enjoyable, air conditioned respite from the heat.  The Pasadena Public Library offers these sites and hours of operation:

Central Library, 285 E. Walnut Street, (626) 744-4066.  Open 9:00 a.m.to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

The following branches are open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday:

• Allendale Branch, 1130 S. Marengo Ave., (626) 744-7260.
• Hill Avenue Branch, 55 S. Hill Ave., (626) 744-7264.
• Lamanda Park Branch, 140 S. Altadena Dr., (626) 744-7266.
• Linda Vista Branch, 1281 Bryant St., (626) 744-7278.
• San Rafael Branch, 1240 Nithsdale Road, (626) 744-7270.
• Santa Catalina Branch, 999 E. Washington Blvd., (626) 744-7272

Other branch locations and hours are:

• La Pintoresca Branch, 1355 N. Raymond Ave., (626) 744-7268.  Open 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
• Villa Parke Branch, 363 East Villa St., (626) 744-6510.  Open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday,

PARKS, POOLS & ICE SKATING!

The seasonal water park facility at La Pintoresca Park, 45 E. Washington Blvd., is open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day.  A “Start Button” is on the east side of the water feature to activate the water spouts.  If the water feature is not working, please call (626) 744-4241 for assistance.

The following swimming pools offer limited hours and swimming opportunities.  Please phone ahead for exact hours, access and costs.

• Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd., (626) 564-0330, www.rosebowlaquatics.com.

• Pasadena High School, 2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., (626) 585-2024
• Robinson Park Pool, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., (626) 585-2025
• Villa-Parke Pool, 363 E. Villa St., (626) 585-2026
• Coral Center Pool, 2750 New York Drive, (626) 797-7181

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 or online at www.skatepasadena.com for more info.

POWER OUTAGES

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

For more information about the City of Pasadena, go online to www.cityofpasadena.net