City of Pasadena Reminds Residents to Take Precauctions During Heat Wave

With triple-digits weather being predicted for parts of Southern California during the coming week, including Pasadena—and lingering through the July 4 weekend—City Officials are reminding everybody to take steps now to protect against excessive heat exposure.

Lack of rain this year means area vegetation and brush is extremely dry. Pasadena Fire Officials urge extra care when using landscaping equipment. Remember to discard cigarettes properly; use extra caution with barbecues; be aware that sparks from landscaping equipment or vehicles can ignite brush fires; and be vigilant around swimming pools. Check the City’s website, www.cityofpasadena.net for updates on changing conditions.

For this weekend’s Pasadena Half-Marathon, City officials remind runners it is important to stay well hydrated before, during and after the run. For updates, go to www.pasadenamarathon.org.

The City maintains a “Zero Tolerance” enforcement policy for all fireworks in Pasadena. To report illegal fireworks, call (626) 744-4241. 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. Customers can visit http://cityofpasadena.net/waterandpower/CAISO_Outages/ for “Flex Alerts.”

Pasadena Officials also offer the following reminders and precautions:

Weather updates can be found online at www.weather.gov/losangeles.
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
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 7:00 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.

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

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 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Seek shady spots; 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 to Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday. Visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov to find other designated cooling centers throughout Los Angeles County.

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. Library locations and hours are:

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

The following branch libraries are open 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday & 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 E. Villa St., (626) 744-6510. Open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

PASADENA RECREATION CENTERS

Pasadena’s Recreation Centers also provide air conditioned environments at:

Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Robinson Park Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Villa-Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St., Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. -8:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Closed Sunday.

SWIMMING POOLS OPEN TO PUBLIC JUNE 17-AUG. 9, 2013

Blair High School, 1201 S. Marengo Ave., Monday-Friday, 1:00-3:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-3:00 p.m. Closed Saturday.
Villa-Parke Pool, 363 E. Villa Street, Monday-Friday, 1:00- 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, Noon-3:00 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Pasadena High School, 2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Monday-Saturday, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; Sunday Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Robinson Park Pool 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Monday-Thursday, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; Friday, 1:00-3:00 p.m.; Saturday, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Closed Sunday.

On Sunday, June 30, 2013, the Robinson Park Center and Pool will offer additional operating hours from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Call the Center at (626) 744-7330 for more information.

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 or visit www.skatepasadena.com for more info. For more information about the City of Pasadena, go online to www.cityofpasadena.net and follow us on Twitter @PasadenaGov.

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