Cooling Centers Will Stay Open Longer in Valley

With temperatures expected to remain high through Saturday, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks today announced extended hours at some cooling centers in the San Fernando Valley.

All city Recreation and Parks facilities will be used as cooling centers, but will maintain normal hours.

Senior centers and recreation centers in North Hollywood, Panorama City, Sunland, Sylmar, Sherman Oaks and Canoga Park will be open from 10 a.m to 9 p.m. through Saturday.

Information regarding specific locations and hours can be found by calling 3-1-1, by calling (213) 202-2700 or by going to www.laparks.org.

Officials at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Edison each urged customers this week to conserve energy to prevent strain on the power grid.

Both Edison and DWP offered a series of tips to help customers cut back on power usage, including:

-- setting thermostats no lower than 78 degrees;

-- limiting the use of appliances during peak hours, and using washing machines, dishwashers and other heavy appliances only in the evening;

-- close drapes and blinds to keep rooms cool;

-- ventilate homes at night and in the early morning to allow cool air to circulate;

-- limit the opening of refrigerators;

-- turn off lights in unoccupied areas; and

-- rely on ceiling or smaller fans to cool rooms instead of air conditioners.