Pasadena Public Health issues Fourth of July safety guidance on heat, food, water and air quality

The Pasadena Public Health Department urged residents to take basic precautions for a safer Fourth of July, recommending hydration, broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and frequent breaks in shade or cooled areas to prevent heat-related illness.

Judith with the public-health department said residents should never leave a child or pet unattended in a parked car and should maintain food safety by keeping perishable items chilled — no more than two hours at room temperature, or one hour if temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. She recommended using a food thermometer when grilling to ensure meats reach safe temperatures.

On water safety, officials advised supervising children closely near pools and lakes, warned against swimming or boating while under the influence, and reiterated that drowning can occur in seconds. For respiratory risks, the department noted that regional fires and large fireworks displays may degrade air quality and advised staying indoors, keeping windows closed, and using HEPA-filter air purifiers when possible. Real-time air-quality updates were recommended via airnow.gov and purpleair.com.

The department also urged residents to avoid large gatherings if ill, to consider masking and distancing to reduce spread of respiratory viruses, and to keep vaccinations up to date to reduce severe illness. For life-threatening symptoms the briefing repeated the standard instruction to call 911.

Officials did not propose new public-health orders at the briefing; the guidance was presented as preventive recommendations for the holiday weekend.