Fresno residents find ways to cope with summer heat

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- When it's hot there is a risk for power outages.

Pacific Gas and Electric needs us to cut back and, for some, pools make it easy.

The gates couldn't open soon enough at Fresno High on Monday as the temperatures were rising, dozens of kids and a few parents took the plunge.

Mary Ceredi says the pool is good for a couple things. First, it's cheap way to cool off, just $1 per person to get in and it also keeps the family out of the house during the hottest part of the day, which helps with the energy bill.

"I'm loving it so it looks like we're going to be out here a few times this summer," she said.

For PG&E, conservation is key this week.

The power grid will likely feel the strain so a Flex Alert has been issued.

"People are running their air conditioners and other systems to keep their houses cool," Evelyn Escalera with PG&E said. "And so sometimes that can overburden the system which will cause power outages."

To avoid outages, Escalara says to set the thermostat to 78 degrees and when you're not home, raise it to 85 degrees.

She also says it's best to keep appliances like washers and dryers off during peak hours.

We found Connie Orasco around noon with her grandson across from Fresno High.

"The heat is unbearable, I just don't know," she said. "I don't think I can handle it."

They just moved from San Diego. Her grandson is adjusting, but Connie says the next few days will be tough.