Excessive Heat Warning & Tips to Stay Cool

August 11th, 2021

Pierce County will be experiencing another wave of high temperatures. Click here to check the forecast.

Many people will be at high risk for heat-related illness, especially those who are heat sensitive and those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.

Fire danger will also increase due to hot, dry conditions and an increase in people participating in outdoor activities such as campfires and grilling.

There is also an increased risk of drowning as more people visit lakes and rivers to escape the heat. It is important to remember that the lakes and rivers are still very cold, and even the most experienced swimmers can suffer from cold water shock.

Opening windows in the evenings and at night may help cool your house, but increases the risk of children falling out of them. Here are a few tips to prevent window falls:

  • Keep windows closed and locked when an adult isn’t present
  • Only open windows 4 inches or less and use a window guard so a child can’t open the window more
  • Keep furniture and other things that can be used for climbing away from windows
  • Make it a house rule to play at least 2 feet from windows

Cooling Centers

Cooling Centers plan to open throughout Pierce County beginning Wednesday, August 11. The closest cooling center to our district will be located at Cross Park in Frederickson:

Address:
Cross Park
4420 Military Rd E
Tacoma, WA 98446

Dates & Hours:
Thursday, August 12 from Noon - 7:00 PM
Friday, August 13 from Noon - 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 14 from Noon - 7:00 PM

For more locations, hours, and information, please visit https://www.piercecountywa.gov/6226/Hot-Weather-Information

Cooling stations will have water and fans to help keep people cool during the hot weather.

Pierce Transit is offering free rides to the cooling centers this weekend. Learn more at https://www.piercetransit.org/news/?id=515.

Here are a few steps you can take to stay cool and reduce the risk of a heat-related illness:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid being outdoors in the sun between 10 AM – 4 PM
  • Don’t rely solely on fans to keep you cool. While electric fans might provide some comfort, when temperatures are really hot, they won’t prevent heat-related illness
  • Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
  • Never leave children or pets in a vehicle
  • Visit a Cooling Center
  • Take cool showers or baths
  • Check on and take care of those vulnerable to heat (children, those with chronic medical conditions, elderly, pets)

Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses and COVID-19 and ways to respond:

Heat Cramps

  • Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs
  • Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. If you are sick and need medical attention, call your healthcare provider first. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about whether you should go to the hospital or cooler location yourself, as you may be putting others or yourself in greater risk for contracting COVID-19. If cramps last more than an hour, seek medical attention. If possible, put on a mask before medical help arrives.

Heat Exhaustion

  • Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting
  • Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat Stroke

  • Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally, Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat, Rapid, strong pulse, Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness
  • Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

Learn more: https://www.ready.gov/heat