Record-Breaking Heat Expected Later This Week

Now is the time to prepare for what weather forecasters predict to be record-breaking, triple-digit heat for parts of Southern California later in the week, city officials said Tuesday.

The public should take precautions against the heat, they said.

Although there are currently No Red Flag Conditions in Pasadena, weather, Red Flag and fire conditions can change rapidly with high heat. Stay in touch on Twitter with the Pasadena Fire Department, @PasadenaFD, www.twitter.com/PasadenaFD for immediate updates. Also, make sure you follow other City Twitter accounts:

@PasadenaGov, www.twitter.com/PasadenaGov , www.twitter.com/PWPnews, @PWPnews at www.twitter.com/PasadenaPD, @PasadenaPD

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 Department at (626) 744-4673. For water-related emergencies, call (626) 744-4138. 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 www.cityofpasadena.net/waterandpower/OMS.

Pasadena Public Safety and Health 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. Remember, if you do leave pets unattended in your vehicles, it is now lawful for persons to forcibly open your car to rescue them!
• Make sure your pets also have easy access to water and a cool place to stay.
• Keep air conditioners set to about 78 degrees.
• Close blinds and drapes to block out direct heat. Use energy efficient fans as alternative.
• Use major appliances in early morning or after 7 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 & unplug unused secondary fridges.
• Air quality can easily degrade during hot weather. If you have heart disease, asthma or other lung disease, 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!

Cooling Centers

• Jackie Robinson Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.,
• Villa-Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St., Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov to find other designated cooling centers throughout Los Angeles County.

Pasadena Public Swimming Pools

Pasadena-area public swimming pools operated by the City opened June 5 for the summer season Open/recreation swim fees are $1 for children, teens under 18 and seniors $1, and $2.50 for adults. All minors under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Please call for hours.

Blair High School Pool, 1201 S. Marengo Ave., (626) 585-2027

Muir High School Pool, 1905 Lincoln Ave. (626) 744-7300

Villa-Parke Pool, 363 E. Villa St. (626) 585-2026

Pasadena Public Library

While not official Cooling Centers, the Pasadena Public Library, www.cityofpasadena.net/Library and other local area public libraries offer an enjoyable, air-conditioned respite from the heat and are, of course, a great place to catch up on your reading too! Pasadena Public Library locations and hours are noted below. 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, 285 E. Walnut Street, (626) 744-4066. 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- Villa-Parke Branch, 363 E. Villa St., (626) 744-6510, Hastings Branch, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 744-7262,

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.

Stay Connected to City of Pasadena!

The Citizen Service Center is open to take your calls, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (626) 744-7311.

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 go to www.cityofpasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS/ to register today. “Nixle” alerts to those who have established a free account at www.nixle.com and identified the Pasadena zip codes that they wish to receive alerts for those areas.