Firefighters Are on Duty 24/7

roving their “Desire to Serve, Courage to Act,” more than 150 men and women of our Fire Department keep Pasadenans out of harm’s way.

Through an active fire prevention program, crews conduct dry brush surveys and free fire inspections, host demonstrations, investigate suspicious blazes and maintain hundreds of hydrants.

fire The department reviews construction plans, issues fire permits and completes more than 3,700 annual safety inspections. The department also works daily to update Pasadena’s disaster plans and involve neighborhoods in emergency preparedness. During the Great Southern California ShakeOut Nov. 13 to 15, for example, the Fire Department will encourage all individuals, families, businesses and neighborhood associations to conduct earthquake drills and update emergency plans and supplies.

Prevention is key and response is critical. Our firefighters respond to more than 15,000 fires, medical emergencies, accidents and hazardous materials spills each year, and not just in Pasadena. Part of an elite multiagency strike team, our firefighters respond to wildfires throughout the state. Another plus: All firefighters are certified paramedics and are required to complete at least two hours of daily training to maintain their skills.

fire2 While they’re busy 24/7, our firefighters welcome visitors to stations. If you drop by and a station is closed, it’s because firefighters are out on an emergency call. A specially marked telephone outside the door of each station is connected to emergency dispatchers in case you need emergency assistance. Each fire station is also a safe haven where any new parent can surrender a newborn within 72 hours of birth without fear of prosecution.

Stations are at 1150 E. Linda Vista Ave., 50 Avenue 64, 135 S. Fair Oaks Ave., 1140 N. Fair Oaks Ave., 515 N. Lake Ave., 1138 E. Del Mar Blvd., 2424 E. Villa St. and 3430 E. Foothill Blvd. Interested in joining the team? Watch for firefighter recruitment information this fall.

For more information and safety tips, call 744-4675 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net/fire.

Are You Prepared?

Even if you’re not ready to don a uniform and join the Pasadena Fire Department, you can still be a neighborhood hero by joining the Pasadena Emergency Response Team (PERT).

With free training classes for neighborhood groups, business associations and community organizations, the Fire Department is building a cadre of trained volunteers who can provide aid during major emergencies.

As widespread disasters such as hurricanes and major earthquakes have proven, residents may need to care for themselves, their families and neighbors for up to 72 hours after such an event. Through PERT, you’ll learn about disaster preparedness, first aid, fire suppression and light search and rescue. At the end of your training, with a PERT certificate and safety hat in hand, you’ll become part of a vital team – and feel confident that you can handle anything Mother Nature throws your way.

To schedule a class for your group, call 744-7276 or email lderderian@cityofpasadena.net. For emergency preparedness tips, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/disaster.

Go Green in Minutes

Buy a houseplant to freshen the air; fill up on tap water; tote your own reusable bags; bike to the library. Pasadena is aiming to become one of the greenest cities on the planet, and you can play a big part!

Find dozens of simple tips for living and working green at www.cityofpasadena.net/greencity (click on Green Training Program). In just 10 minutes, you’ll read through dozens of amazing facts about the environment and then join hundreds of other Pasadenans in pledging your commitment to a healthy, sustainable city.

web The colorful training program was developed this spring by our interdepartmental Green Team to inspire city staff, residents, business owners and others to join the city’s environmental efforts. Pasadena’s Green City Action Plan outlines more than 70 initiatives the city is pursuing in the areas of energy, waste reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation, environmental health and water conservation.

More than 600 enthusiastic city employees completed the training program during its first month and it’s now available to anybody with Internet access, which is free at Pasadena Central Library and all branches.

For more information or complete details or to become involved in Pasadena’s Green City Action Plan, call 744-7546 or visit www.cityofpasadena/greencity.

Fun for the Entire Family

Celebrate the revitalization of Northwest Pasadena during a free celebration Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Washington Park, southeast corner of Washington Boulevard and El Molino Avenue.

The Northwest Renaissance and Family Fun Day Festival will include children’s activities, live music, games and more. Food will be provided or you can bring your own picnic to avoid lines!
park
Built in the 1920s, the 5.2-acre park is once again an enriching part of Northwest Pasadena due to nearly 100 percent completion of a master plan. Features at the park include play equipment, an exercise course, picnic shelters, ADA improvements, new irrigation, indigenous plants, a stage, and interpretive signs that detail plants and wildlife in the park. Still to come is a center for community meetings and classes.

Northwest Pasadena is home to 50,000 residents, 2,000 businesses, five parks, five public schools and many community-based organizations. For more information call 744-4791.

Summer Fun for Kids and Teens

August promises plenty of activities at Pasadena public libraries for children and teens.

Children

• The free summer reading program Catch the Reading Bug! continues through Aug. 10 and it’s not too late to join. Drop by Pasadena Central Library or any branch library and sign up!

• Swazzle Puppets presents “Space Bugs,” a wacky group of intergalactic insects that go on exciting adventures. The show is at libraries weekdays through Aug. 9.

• Tea and cookies will be on the menu during the Teddy Bear Tea for children ages 3 to 7 Thursday, Aug. 14 at 3 p.m. at Hastings Branch Library and Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 3 p.m. at Lamanda Park Branch Library.

• Free films suitable for children are offered Tuesdays through Fridays during the “Catch a Movie” series through Aug. 15.

• There’s also a free storytime nearly every day of the week for younger children up to age 5. For more information about children’s programs, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/librarykids or call 744-4066.

Teens

• We’ll provide the popcorn during a free screenings of “The Simpsons Movie” Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Pasadena Central Library.

• Anime fans will enjoy some great, uncut episodes Monday, Aug. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr. Hikaru No Go will be featured.

• Do you have a strong stomach? Fear Factor Food Challenge for teens is Thursday, Aug. 14, at 3 p.m. at Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St. First, second and third prizes will be awarded to teens who eat the grossest of foods! Registration and signed parental waiver are required.

• Ready for college? U Can Prep at Pasadena Central Library on Monday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m. reveals 15 admission secrets to increase your chances of getting into the school of your dreams. 744-4766.

For more information about teen programs, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/libraryteens or call 744-4766.

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	Public Affairs