Cooling Centers Open to Beat the Heat

Cooling centers will be open across the Southland Friday as a heat wave descends on the region, giving residents a place to escape rising temperatures that are expected to hit the triple digits in some areas.

Los Angeles County has cooling centers available at libraries, community centers and other buildings spread across the region. Information on locations is available by calling the 2-1-1 information line. A list is also available at the county's Emergency Survival Program website.

Hours at the centers vary, so residents are advised to check in advance.

West Hollywood will offer a cooling center through the weekend at the
Senior Lounge at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. It will be open from 9
a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Monday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and
Sunday.

The Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St., will be available as a cooling center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Although it is the city's only designated cooling center, the city's libraries and recreation centers are also air-conditioned. The city also has swimming pools available at Blair and Pasadena high schools, Robinson Park and Villa-Parke.

Pasadena officials also suggested a visit to the Pasadena Ice Skating
Center, 300 E. Green St.

County public health officials also provided a series of tips for people to avoid heat-related health problems:
   -- Never leave children, seniors or pets along in a parked vehicle.
   -- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
   -- Drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol.
   -- Check on neighbors with limited mobility.
   -- Stay in air-conditioned areas during peak heat hours.
   -- Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun.
   -- Avoid vigorous outdoor exercise.
   -- Close blinds or drapes to block out heat at home.
   -- To help reduce electricity demand, use major appliances in the early
morning or after 7 p.m.
   -- Turn off lights, air conditioners, computers, televisions and other
appliances when not in use.