Jul 26, 2022  -  Uncategorized

Hospitals in our region see an increase of people with heat stroke and also heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure on hot days.

People who are at the highest risk for serious health problems in the heat include:

  • People who have medical conditions or take medications that make it harder to regulate body temperature. Encourage people to talk to their healthcare providers to see if their conditions or medications put them at higher risk.
  • People age 65 and older
  • Outdoor workers
  • Children

King County and local cities will open cooling centers. Information on cooling center locations will be posted on the King County Emergency Blog.

How to stay safe in the heat:

  • Drink water frequently, even if you’re not thirsty.
  • NEVER leave children, pets, or people with limited mobility in a parked car, not even for a minute! Cars get dangerously hot in seconds!
  • Limit the time you spend in direct sunlight as much as possible. Take breaks in the shade to cool off.
  • If you get hot at home, if possible, spend time in places with air-conditioning, like malls, a “cooling center” set up in cities around King County, movie theaters (if you’re vaccinated), or a friend’s home if they have air-conditioning. Playing in fountains, wading pools, and sprinklers can also help cool you down. Wear a mask in public indoor places, even if you’re vaccinated, to protect from highly contagious COVID variants.
  • Take a cool shower or bath, or place cool washcloths on your skin.
  • Check up on your elderly neighbors and relatives.
  • Employers should plan for frequent breaks and plenty of water for outdoor workers to prevent heat illnesses.

More tips and information in multiple languages at kingcounty.gov/BeattheHeat.

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