Vashon Community Cooling Centers–Updated 6/26/21 AM

An extended heat wave is affecting Vashon and the rest of the Puget Sound this weekend with  high temperatures that could exceed 110 degrees by Monday.

Three air conditioned cooling center locations are available on Vashon, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm each day. Masks and social distancing are required.

• The lobby of Vashon Center for the Arts, south of town at 19600 Vashon Highway at the intersection with Cemetery Road. Open all three days, through Monday.
  
• Subway restaurant, in town at 17408 Vashon Highway one block north of the intersection with Bank Road. Open all three days, through Monday.
• Vashon Library, in town at 17210 Vashon Highway, at Ober Park. Open Saturday and Monday, closed Sunday.
  

If you need transportation to reach the cooling centers, arrange a trip by contacting Vashon Community Van at 206-263-5901 or email communityvan@kingcounty.gov, or go online to:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/local-services/programs/vashon-community-van.aspx

Vashon Center for the Arts and Subway are offering free water or soft drinks to cooling center drop ins. VashonBePrepared nonprofit is covering the cost of staff time, cleaning and hydration for Subway and Vashon Center for the Arts.

In addition to the cooling centers, here are some heat safety tips 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.