The National Weather Service has forecast very high temperatures for the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys from Saturday through Tuesday, and it’s going to be no picnic here, either.  To provide relief from the heat for the elderly and others who face heat-related health difficulties and stress, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will open cooling centers throughout the County, announced Mayor Michael D. Antonovich in a press release today.

The Department of Public Health recommends several ways to manage the heat:

• 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 (a mall, park, or library) during peak heat hours
• Avoid unnecessary exposure.
• When in the sun, wear a hat with a wide brim.
• Don’t exercise vigorously outside during the hottest hours of the day.

Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst.

Locally, cooling centers include the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa St., which is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM-5 PM (which means it won’t be open this weekend!); the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena, Mon.-Fri. 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Sat. 8:30 AM-3 PM; and the South Pasadena Senior Center, 1102 Oxley St., Mon-Fri. 8 AM -5 PM, or -7:30 PM when temperatures are 96 degrees or above.

Local libraries are also a good place to stay cool (so you can walk to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., when the senior center’s closed!)