An extreme heat warning that takes effect Tuesday in Glendale and throughout Southern California has prompted city officials to urge the public to conserve electricity and take precautions ahead of the hottest weather of the week.
Glendale Water & Power crews are closely monitoring the city’s grid as persistent hot temperatures increase residents’ and business’ demand for air conditioning, which stresses out the electrical system, officials said.
The extreme heat warning from the National Weather service starts 10 a.m. Tuesday and ends 8 p.m. Thursday.
Four cooling centers are set to open Tuesday through Friday in Glendale for anyone in need of relief during the most scorchingly hot times of day. Cooling centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at the Adult Recreation Center, 201 E. Colorado St.; Pacific Park and Community Center, 501 S. Pacific Ave.; and Maple Park Community Center, 820 E. Maple St.
The Sparr Heights Community Center, 1613 Glencoe Way, will serve as a cooling location between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.
The Pacific Community Pool or splash pads in Pacific and Cerritos parks also provide heat relief, officials said. The pool is at 509 S. Pacific Ave. near Pacific Park, and Cerritos Park is at 3690 San Fernando Road.
According to Glendale Water & Power, customers should use less electricity during periods of peak demand. Officials suggested delaying the use of major appliances until the evening or early morning, adjusting thermostats to higher temperatures and turning off unnecessary lights and electronics.
The utility offered these specific pieces of advice during extreme heat:
- “Charge electric vehicles and use major appliances during the early morning hours or after 9 p.m.
- “Set your thermostat to 78°F when home and 80°F when away, adjusting as needed for the health and well-being of your family and pets.
- “Close curtains and blinds, use ceiling fans when possible, turn off unnecessary lights and unplug electronics not in use.
- “Use LED bulbs and keep your refrigerator full to improve energy efficiency.”
City officials said residents should not do strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest times of day, drink water to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing and use air-conditioned shelter when possible.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps and increased thirst, officials reported.
Ahead of possible outages, the city suggested the public:
- “Keep flashlights and batteries easily accessible.
- “Charge cell phones and mobile devices in advance of the hottest times of the day.
- “Avoid opening refrigerators/freezers to retain cold air.
- “Store extra drinking water and stay hydrated.”
To report a power outage, officials said to go to GlendaleWaterandPower.com or call GWP at 855-550-4497.
Additional information about cooling centers, aquatic facilities and heat safety resources is online at GlendaleCA.gov/BeatTheHeat and GlendaleAquatics.org.
