Four Valley Senior Citizen Centers will be open for heat relief July 3rd and 4th

July 3, 2007

July 2, 2007 – Heat relief for the elderly, disabled, and other residents with health issues will be available on Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. both days at four senior citizen centers in the San Fernando Valley operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

The sites are: Canoga Park Senior Center, 7326 Jordan Ave, 818-340-2633; Sunland Senior Center, 8640 Fenwick St., 818-353-9571; Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Senior Center (also known as the Bernardi Center), 5040 Van Nuys Blvd., 818-756-9146; and Robert M. Wilkinson Multipurpose Center, 8956 Vanalden Ave. in Northridge, 818-756-7741.

The effects of heat can quickly overcome even the healthiest people; the elderly, young children, those who are sick or have chronic health conditions, live alone, or are overweight are more likely to have problems when exposed to excessive heat. Each location will be kept cool and have bottled water available for the benefit of these people.

The facilities would ordinarily be closed for the holiday, but because record high temperatures are anticipated, they will be open to provide a place where people who are the most susceptible to the heat can go. The centers will be open regular hours on Thursday, July 5 at which time a determination will be made regarding continuation of the cooling station program.

The Department is guided by heat advisories from the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) and/or National Weather Service. People in the affected areas should remain inside, refrain from strenuous work or exercise during the hottest part of the day, and stay hydrated.