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BEAT THE HEAT Information to help keep cool and safe with upcoming Heat Wave

Posted on: June 23, 2021 - 2:17pm

We’ve got a potentially record-breaking heat wave on the way this weekend into early next week.  An EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH is now in effect from Friday (6/25) through early next week.  This is likely to be tough on the population who are heat sensitive and those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.  We want you to stay safe and cool and to keep an eye on your vulnerable friends, family and neighbor.  Below are some cooling places you can go to:

  • Black Diamond Community Gym - 25511 Lawson Street, Black Diamond, WA
  • Saturday (6/26) 1 pm -5 pm
  • Sunday (6/27) 12 pm - 4 pm
  • Black Diamond Community Center - 31605 Third Avenue, Black Diamond, WA
  • Monday (6/28) 10 am -4 pm
     
  • City of Pacific Community Center – 100B 3rd Ave, Pacific, WA
  • Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
     
  • Federal Way Community Center – 876 S 333rd St., Federal Way, WA
  • Saturday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, 9 a.m. -1 p.m.
  • Monday and Tuesday – 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
     
  • City of SeaTac Community Center – 13735 24th Ave, S, SeaTac, WA
  • Saturday – 1 p.m. -6 p.m.
  • Sunday – 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
     
  • Cooling Places in Enumclaw
  • Saturday, June 26   10 AM to 5 PM      Enumclaw Library, 1700 First Street
  • Sunday, June 27     12 PM to 6 PM      Enumclaw Senior Center, 1350 Cole Street
  • Sunday, June 27      1 PM to 6 PM       Mount Rainier Christian Center,  43811 244th Ave SE
  • Monday, June 28    12 PM to 6 PM       Enumclaw Senior Center, 1350 Cole Street
  • Monday, June 28    9 AM – 6 PM          Mount Rainier Christian Center,  43811 244th Ave SE
  • Tuesday, June 29    1 PM to 8 PM         Enumclaw Library, 1700 First Street
     
  • Going to a mall, movie theater, or library to cool off

Public Health – Seattle King County has shared several ways to stay cool and safe during hot weather.

For everyone when days are hot:

  • Keep window blinds or curtains closed when outdoor temperatures skyrocket. This reduces indoor temps and reduces the strain on cooling equipment, if in use.
  • Keep windows and doors closed in locations with air conditioning.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (but avoid alcohol, caffeine, or lots of sugar that can make you lose body fluid).
  • Dress in layers to manage varying temperatures.
  • Minimize extended time outside.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights and unplug unused electrical equipment.
  • Take a tepid shower or bath to cool down.
  • Avoid hot and heavy meals that can raise your body temperature.
  • Check on vulnerable family or neighbors by phone or text to make sure they are safe and cool.
  • NEVER leave pets or children in a hot car. Call 9-1-1 if you see a child or pet in a hot car.
  • summer tips for pets, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) can help you out.
  • Learn the warning signs of heat illness that happens when the body can’t cool down. If someone has heat stroke, they need to call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room immediately.

If you must be outside:

  • The most important thing to do is to drink lots of water. When it’s really hot, drink up to a quart of water every hour with moderate to heavy physical activity.
  • Carry a water bottle.
  • Consider sports drinks for electrolyte replacement when sweating a lot.
  • Wear loose, light clothing with materials designed to wick sweat.
  • Wear a hat with a brim.
  • Check with your supervisor about adjusting your work hours to start earlier, when it’s cooler.
  • Stop all activity if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, faint or have a pounding heart or trouble breathing.
  • Hot, sunny weather invariably brings more people to Maple Valley and regional parks and trails.
  • Although the lakes, rivers and streams can be a tempting way to cool down, remember to get used to the cold water slowly and wear personal protective devices to be safe in the water.

Water safety

And a reminder, King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County and the King County Sheriff’s Office encourage kayakers, boaters, rafters, swimmers, and other river users to check conditions and scout rivers thoroughly for hazards before entering the water. Sometimes the best plan is to not enter the water.

River managers and emergency responders carry the most concern for swimmer safety during the warm weather early in the season when people are drawn to the water for floating, swimming, and boating while water temperatures are still cold.