City of Pasadena Urges Residents to Prepare for Rising Temperatures

Pasadena City Hall (Photo – Colorado Boulevard Newspaper)

As warmer weather approaches, the City of Pasadena is encouraging residents to stay safe, cool, and prepared during periods of higher temperatures. City departments are coordinating efforts to keep the community informed and protected as temperatures rise.

By News Desk

Residents are advised to follow safety guidelines and stay updated on weather conditions and community announcements by following the City on social media and visiting its official website.

Cooling Center Opens March 16–18

The Jackie Robinson Community Center, located at 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., will serve as a cooling center from Monday, March 16, through Wednesday, March 18, operating daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Residents seeking relief from the heat are welcome to visit during those hours. For more information, community members can call (626) 744-7300.

While not designated cooling centers, branches of the Pasadena Public Library provide air-conditioned indoor spaces where residents can cool off. Branch hours are available online or by contacting individual locations.

Transportation Options

The City encourages residents to use Pasadena Transit bus routes to travel around town and reach cooling centers or libraries. Members of the Pasadena Dial-A-Ride service can schedule rides by calling (626) 791-7200. Questions about routes, schedules, or membership can be directed to (626) 744-4055.

Health and Safety Reminders

Officials from the Pasadena Public Health Department and other safety agencies recommend the following steps to prevent heat-related illness:

• Find Relief Indoors: Residents without air conditioning or fans should visit public libraries or community centers with air-conditioned spaces.
• Drink Water Frequently: Stay hydrated, especially when outdoors. Do not wait until you feel thirsty.
• Check on Neighbors: Particularly older adults or those with limited mobility. Offer a cool drink or help them reach a cooling center.
• Limit Outdoor Activity: Air quality may worsen during hot weather, especially for people with medical conditions.
• Dress for the Weather: Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and stay in shaded areas. Use sunscreen.
• Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars: Doing so is dangerous and illegal. Bystanders may intervene if necessary.
• Outdoor Workers: Employers must provide a cool-down rest period upon request.

Energy Conservation Tips

Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) advises residents to conserve energy while maintaining health and safety during periods of high electricity use. Suggested steps include:

• Open windows in the early morning or evening to ventilate homes, and close blinds during the hottest parts of the day.
• Set thermostats to 78°F or higher, if health permits.
• Reduce electricity use during peak hours (4:00 – 9:00 pm) and limit the use of large appliances.
• Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
• Avoid using the stove or oven when possible.
• Charge electric vehicles during off-peak hours.

For power emergencies, call (626) 744-4673. For water emergencies, call (626) 744-4138.

Places to Cool Off

Residents looking for recreational ways to stay cool can visit:

• John J. Kennedy Pool, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., (626) 744-7330
• Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd., (626) 564-0330
• Pasadena Ice Skating Center, 300 E. Green St., (626) 578-0800

Emergency Alerts and Information

Residents can receive emergency notifications by signing up for the Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System (PLEAS), which sends text and voice alerts during emergencies. Community members can also sign up for Nixle alerts by selecting Pasadena ZIP codes.

During emergencies, the City broadcasts information through its government cable station, Pasadena Media’s KPAS channel, available on Channel 3 for Charter subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T U-verse customers—as well as through online livestreams.

For life-threatening emergencies, residents should dial 9-1-1, remain calm, and provide operators with their name, location, and a brief description of the situation.

Additional information about weather forecasts, cooling centers, air quality, and important contacts is available through the City’s Extreme Weather Portal.