by Timothy Rutt

With hot weather on the horizon through the weekend, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will open cooling centers throughout Los Angeles County to provide relief from the heat for the elderly and others who face heat-related health difficulties and stress, according to a press release from Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

Local cooling centers are: the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa St., Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM;  and the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 W. Holly Street, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM-3 PM.

Public health officials have also given some advice for getting through the hot weather:

• Never leave children, elderly people, or pets alone in a parked vehicle.
• Wear light, loose fitting clothing to stay cool
• Drink water often.  Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Check on those in your neighborhood who have limited mobility.
• Stay in an air-conditioned area during peak heat hours i.e. a mall, park, or library.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat with a wide brim.
• Don’t exercise vigorously outside during the hottest hours of the day.