SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER  2004

Buddy Up for Rideshare Week

A Shot of Protection

Update Your Student's Disaster Kit

West Nile Virus Update

A Fresh Idea

High-Tech Home Gardening

New Meters Are Fast And Accurate

More Power to Us!

Call Center Hours to Change

Etcetera...Etcetera

Noticias en Breve

Buddy Up for Rideshare Week

CT. 4 TO 8 IS RIDESHARE WEEK, a perfect opportunity for you to try carpooling, vanpooling, walking, hopping on a bus, biking or riding the Metro Gold Line to work. These are all great ways to save gas, protect your car from wear and tear and maybe get a little exercise. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to fight traffic congestion, smog and energy waste.

Visit www.ridematch.info or www.metro.net (use the handy Metro Trip Planner) or call 
(800) COMMUTE. 

For more information, call 744-4586.

A Shot of Protection

FLU SEASON IS ON ITS WAY. The Pasadena Public Health Department, in partnership with the Pasadena Fire Department, will offer flu shots at a series of free vaccination clinics for seniors 60 and older and other high-risk adults.

Flu shots protect only against the strains expected to cause problems this winter. 
If you’re under medical care or have had a recent illness, neurological problem or allergy to eggs, check with your doctor before getting a shot. For more information, 
call 744-6128.

Wed., Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jackie Robinson Center  1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. 

Wed., Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pasadena Senior Center   85 E. Holly St.

Wed., Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Villa-Parke Community Center  363 E. Villa St.

Wed., Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to noon
Fire Station #36   1140 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

Mon., Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to noon
Fire Station #33   515 N. Lake Ave.

Wed., Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to noon
Fire Station #32  2424 E. Villa St.

Learn about free flu shots for kids by calling the Child Health Clinic at 744-6136.  

Update Your Student's Disaster Kit

MOST PASADENA SCHOOLS ask students to bring personal “comfort kits” to be used during emergencies. After a big earthquake or other disaster, roads may be closed and the city’s firefighters and police officers will be tending to hot spots. Your children may need to stay at school for awhile until you can get there. Keep them comfy with:

  • Extra clothes
  • A “space blanket” from a sporting goods store
  • A small flashlight with batteries (store batteries separately) or lightsticks
  • A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • A list of medications
  • An index card with emergency information 
  • Comfort items, like a family photo or a note from mom or dad 

Label all items and include expiration dates. Discuss your family plan and where 
you’ll reunite after a disaster. Ask about your school’s disaster plan and how often it 
is reviewed and updated. For more tips, visit www.cityofpasadena.net (click on Emergency Preparedness) or call 744-7276.

West Nile Virus Update

WEST NILE VIRUS ARRIVED IN PASADENA with the first human case confirmed 
on Aug. 3 and the individual recovered within a few days. Pasadena Public Health Department reminds all residents to take preventive steps to reduce the risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes. 

  • Limit outdoor activities from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most likely to bite.
  • Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when possible.
  • Eliminate stagnant water and leaf debris in containers around homes where 
     mosquitoes can lay their eggs (buckets, flower pots, old tires, wading pools, bird  
     baths, etc.).
  • Maintain outdoor swimming pools and spas with recirculation systems and the 
     proper level of chlorine. While supplies last, place mosquito-eating fish for 
     outdoor areas where water cannot be drained (call 744-6004 to request the fish).
  • Repair screens in windows and doors.
  • Keep grass around your home trimmed.
  • Use insect repellent that contains DEET and is approved by the Environmental 
     Protection Agency. Read all instructions carefully, especially for children.

For more information or to report mosquito problems, call the city’s West Nile Virus Hotline at (626) 744-6012 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net (click on West Nile Virus).