In anticipation of the heat wave, Glendale’s Community Services & Parks Department has activated four community centers throughout the city as cooling centers, which will operate through Tuesday.
The city of Glendale is highly encouraging those who do not have a cool place to be during the hottest time of the day to come to one of four community centers located throughout the city to beat the heat and cool off. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.
The Community Services & Parks Department also has the Cooling Fan Assistance Program available to eligible seniors who live within the boundaries of the city of Glendale. The program provides one free fan to elderly residents 60 years of age or older who live in Glendale and meet other eligibility requirements. The program enables seniors to stay comfortable while remaining at home. For more information and eligibility criteria regarding the Cooling Fan Assistance Program, please call (818) 548-3775. For more information and translations on how to beat the heat, visit glendaleca.gov/beattheheat.
Other options to keep cool through water play include splash pads, which are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Pacific Park and Cerritos Park; wading pools, which are open to the public on alternating days at Dunsmore Park, Brand Park, Fremont Park, Glenoaks Park and Palmer Park; and the Pacific Community Pool which is open daily for recreation swim. To learn more about each of these options and the hours of operation visit glendaleaquatics.org.
Cooling center dates, hours of operation and locations:
- Adult Recreation Center at 201 E. Colorado St. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
- Sparr Heights Community Center at 1613 Glencoe Way from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Maple Park Community Center at 820 E. Maple St. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only
- Pacific Community Center at 501 S. Pacific Ave. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
The Community Services & Parks Department recommends those who go outside take the following precautions to protect themselves from the sun and heat: - Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest.
- Reduce physical activity.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when you are outdoors.
- Avoid hot, heavy meals that include proteins.
- Set your air conditioner between 75 and 80 degrees. If you don’t have air conditioning, take a cool shower twice a day.
- Drink plenty of fluids, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun.
- Stay in shade whenever working outdoors.
- Don’t forget about your pets; they need plenty of water and shade.
Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps and increased thirst. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911.
First published in the July 15 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
