City Cautions Residents to Prepare for High Heat This Week

With temperatures forecast to climb above 90 degrees this week, Pasadena officials are urging residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, reduce fire risks, and conserve energy.

City departments are coordinating efforts to keep the public safe, cool, and informed, Pasadena spokesperson Lisa Derderian said in a news release Tuesday. 

The city recommends residents monitor weather conditions, Red Flag Warnings and emergency alerts through official Pasadena websites and social media channels.

“Extreme heat can quickly become dangerous, especially for older adults, children and pets,” Derderian said. “We want people to know where they can find relief and what they can do to stay safe.”
To minimize fire dangers, the Pasadena Fire Department issued the following guidelines:

• Trim The Area Around Your Home: Remove dry brush, dead trees, and anything that can catch fire within 100 feet of your home to help protect it from wildfires and within 10 feet of any roadway used for vehicular travel. This does not apply to ornamental shrubbery, trees or cultivated ground cover.

• Keep Roofs and Gutters Clean: Ensure gutters are free of leaves and debris, which can catch fire quickly.

• Use Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Opt for plants that are less likely to catch fire and keep lawns watered.

• Properly Dispose of Cigarettes and Charcoal: Make sure cigarette butts and charcoal are fully extinguished before disposing of them.

• Check for Fire Hazards: Inspect homes for overhanging branches, loose debris, or other potential fire hazards that could lead to flames reaching your home. Maintain five (5) feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and any overhanging portions of trees. Remove any portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of a chimney or stovepipe.

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 provides 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: Older adults or individuals with disabilities may need to be checked on to help ensure their well-being. Offer a cool beverage or help them get to a location with air conditioning such as a public library or community 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. Wear 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. When working outdoors, wear light, loose-fitting clothing, and drink water often.
• Walk Pets During the Coolest Parts of the Day: Ensure the safety and comfort of pets during warmer weather by scheduling walks for the coolest parts of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings.

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.

The following Community and Recreation Centers are not designated as official Cooling Centers but are open to the public for indoor relief:

• Robinson Park Recreation Center – 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., (626) 744-7330, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Victory Park Recreation Center – 2575 Paloma St., (626) 744-7500, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Villa Parke Community Center – 363 E. Villa St., (626) 744-6530, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Jackie Robinson Community Center – 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave, (626) 744-7300, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., closed on Saturday and Sunday.

City officials said that extended center hours may be activated. Call (626) 744-7500 for more information. The Pasadena Public Libraries are not official Cooling Centers, but they offer air-conditioned spaces for public use:

• Allendale Branch – 1130 S. Marengo Ave. (626) 744-7260, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Hastings Branch – 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 744-7262, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m.
• Hill Avenue Branch Library – 55 S. Hill Ave. (626) 744-7264, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Jefferson Branch Library – 1500 E. Villa St., Children’s Room (626) 744-8046, Monday-Thursday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• La Pintoresca Branch Library – 1355 N. Raymond Ave. (626) 744-7268, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Lamanda Park Branch Library – 140 S. Altadena Dr. (626) 744-7266, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Linda Vista Branch Library – 1281 Bryant St. (626) 744-7278, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• San Rafael Branch Library – 1240 Nithsdale Rd. (626) 744-7270, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Santa Catalina Branch Library – 999 E. Washington Blvd. (626) 744-7272, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Villa Parke Branch Library – 363 E. Villa St. (626) 744-6510, Monday-Friday • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Visit PasadenaPublicLibrary.net for more.

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.

POOL AND SPLASH PAD

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

• John J. Kennedy Pool, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., (626) 744-7330
• La Pintoresca Park Splash Pad, 45 E. Washington Blvd., sunrise to sunset
• 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.