City of Pasadena Encourages Residents to Stay Safe During Rising Temperatures

PASADENA, Calif - With warmer weather on the way, the City of Pasadena is encouraging residents to stay safe, cool and prepared. City departments are working together to keep the Pasadena community informed and protected during periods of higher temperatures.

Residents are encouraged to follow safety guidelines and stay updated on changing weather conditions and other important community updates by following the City of Pasadena on social media and visiting the City's official website.

The Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., will be open as a cooling center for residents seeking relief from the heat on Monday, March 16 through Wednesday, March 18, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Community members are welcome to stop by during operating hours to cool down and stay comfortable. Call (626) 744-7300 for more information.

The Pasadena Public Libraries are not official Cooling Centers, but they offer air-conditioned spaces for public use. Visit PasadenaPublicLibrary.net for branch hours or call the individual branches.

Pasadena Transit bus routes are an easy way to get around town and to take you to any center or library to cool off. Pasadena Dial-A-Ride members can call (626) 791-7200 to make appointments for a ride. For schedule and route information or questions about becoming a Pasadena Dial-A-Ride member, please visit PasadenaTransit.net or call (626) 744-4055.

Pasadena Public Health and safety officials offer the following reminders to prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Find Relief Indoors: Residents who don't have access to air conditioning or a fan at home are encouraged to visit a public library or community center, which provide air-conditioned indoor relief from extreme heat.
• Drink Water Frequently: Stay hydrated, especially when outdoors. Don't wait until you feel thirsty.
• Check on Neighbors: Especially older adults or individuals with limited mobility. Offer a cool beverage or help them get to a Cooling Center.
• Limit Outdoor Activity: Air quality can easily degrade during hot weather. Minimize outdoor activity, especially if you have a medical condition.
• Dress for the Weather: Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and stay in shaded areas. Don't forget sunscreen!
• Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars: It is both dangerous and illegal. Bystanders are allowed to intervene if necessary.
• Outdoor Workers: Employers must provide a cool-down rest period if requested.

During high heat,Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) reminds customers that energy conservation can be a priority while still protecting your health and safety. To practice energy conservation during this high usage period, PWP customers can:

• Open windows in the early morning/evening to ventilate your home; close blinds during the hottest parts of the day.
• Set thermostats to 78°F or higher to conserve energy.
• Reduce energy use during peak hours (4-9 p.m.). Limit use of large appliances.
• Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
• Avoid using the stove or oven.
• Charge electric vehicles during off-peak hours.

For power emergencies, call PWP at (626) 744-4673. For water-related emergencies, call (626) 744-4138. More info: PWPweb.com.

POOLS

A pool day is a great way to stay cool. Visit the locations below:

• John J. Kennedy Pool, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., (626) 744-7330
• Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd., (626) 564-0330

ICE SKATING CENTER

A trip to the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, 300 E. Green St., is also a good way to beat the heat. For more information, please call (626) 578-0800.

EMERGENCY ALERT AND NOTIFICATIONS:

Stay informed by signing up for the Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System (PLEAS) at CityOfPasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS/. PLEAS sends text and voice alerts during emergencies.

You can also receive "Nixle" alerts by signing up at Nixle.com and selecting Pasadena ZIP codes.

During emergencies, the City will also use its government cable access TV station, KPAS, to help broadcast emergency information. Charter cable subscribers see KPAS on Channel 3 and AT&T U-verse subscriber can watch KPAS on Channel 99. The broadcast is also streamed live on the City's website, CityOfPasadena.net/Media and on the KPAS ("Pasadena Media") website at PasadenaMedia.tv.

For life-threatening emergencies always remember to dial 9-1-1. Remain calm while on the phone. Be prepared to give operators your name and location and a brief, accurate description of the nature of your call.

For information on the weather forecast, cooling centers, air quality, and important contacts; visit the Extreme Weather Portal website.