Rose Bowl fans advised to take precautions against heat

The Pasadena Fire Department advised fans attending Wednesday’s Rose Bowl Game to drink plenty of water or electrolyte beverages to avoid becoming dehydrated from the unusual heat.

“Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, it could be too late,” Pasadena Fire Department Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian told City News Service.

Increasing the risk of dehydration is that many people head directly from the Tournament of Roses Parade to the Rose Bowl to tailgate and have not been eating properly or getting enough rest, Derderian said.

Derderian also recommended sunscreen and wearing a hat to guard against the harmful effects of the sun.

Cooling buses will be stationed around the Rose Bowl to help people who become overheated, Derderian said.

The forecast for the 2 p.m. kickoff is for about 76 degrees. The usual high for Pasadena on New Year’s Day is 67, according to Stuart Seto, a weather specialist with the National Weather Service.

Unlike past years, only a slight drop in air temperatures is expected when this year’s game ends after sunset, Seto said.

The high temperatures are the result of a high-pressure system and offshore winds, Seto said.

The fire department recommends that fans experiencing or witnessing a medical emergency make note of their exact location and other details to hasten the response of emergency personnel, Derderian said.

Derderian also advised fans to properly dispose of cigarette butts and to turn off the ignition of their vehicle to avoid a spark causing a fire in the brush surrounding the Rose Bowl amid record dry conditions.

A “small percentage” of fans miss the Rose Bowl each year because of medical problems or arrests, Derderian said.