Northwest summers can be fantastic, but when is hot too hot?
The National Weather Service is on the job to tell us, and what they are saying should get your attention now. They have issued an Excessive Heat Warning for many areas in our region, including King County. This statement lets us know that very hot weather that can affect our health is expected starting Thursday afternoon through Saturday night.
So what do you with this information? Good question!
Protect yourself
On very hot days in King County, many more people are hospitalized for serious health problems. And we also know that extreme heat in our region is associated with increased deaths.
Key tips for staying cool:
- Drink water and other fluids frequently; also eat foods with plenty of water in them.
- Play in fountains and stay in the shade.
- Find a place with air conditioning, like libraries, movie theaters, or shopping centers. See a list of cooling locations in King County here.
Protect others
Some people are at greater risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including:
- Older adults
- People with health conditions (like heart disease)
- People who work outside
- Children
Check on family members and neighbors to make sure they’re able to stay cool. Keep children out of the direct sun. Take breaks from working outside. And never leave babies, children or pets in a parked car.
Stay informed
Summer is the time of year for extreme heat events that can affect our health. Keep track of severe weather on the local National Weather Service website or watch the news for warnings as the temperature warms up.
Additional tips
- Visit Public Health’s Beat the Heat website for more tips on staying cool in the heat. (Information available in Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese)
- Protect pets! Call 9-1-1 or 206-296-PETS (7387) if you see a pet in a hot car, or an animal that lacks access to fresh water and shade. (See Hot Dogs Are Not Cool poster.)
- Additional resources from King County Office of Emergency Management