June’s Record Heat Wave

An extended heat wave will affect Vashon and the rest of the Puget Sound this weekend with  high temperatures above 105 degrees predicted Sunday and Monday.

Heat waves can be dangerous for elders, infants, people on medications, and people with health conditions that increase heat sensitivity, so it's important to take sensible precautions to avoid heat-related illness.

Here are some tips to beat the heat from Public Health -- Seattle & King County and VashonBePrepared....

• Minimize physical exertion and do outdoor activities during the cooler morning hours.
• Stay in the shade and keep sipping a cool non-alcoholic drink. Water is best.
• Don't leave people or pets in the car, even with the windows rolled down.
• Wear light, loose, breathable clothing, preferably cotton.
• Check on others, to spot and respond to any signs of heat illness, such as nausea and confusion, dry hot flushed skin, and rapid pulse.
• Practice water safety by using personal flotation devices, and remember the sunscreen.

Few people in our area have air conditioning but you can improvise. You can make a simple evaporative cooler -- like a swamp cooler -- by draping a wet towel over a chair and aiming your fan at it so the cooled air blows your way. Remoisten the towel when it gets too dry to make cool air.

See the hot weather blog at Public Health Seattle - King County for more tips to beat the heat.

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/emergency-preparedness/preparing-yourself/hot-weather.aspx