With hot, dry conditions in our
forecast for the coming days, take precautions to keep yourself and others safe.
To find relief from high temperatures, public health officials recommend visiting air-conditioned areas, such as libraries, movie theaters, restaurants and shopping malls. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
Hot Weather Safety
Take the following precautions to keep yourself and others safe:
- Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors twice a day. The very young and elderly are especially vulnerable to heat.
- Stay cool. Spend time in air-conditioned buildings and avoid direct contact with the sun.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more.
- Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. The temperature in a vehicle is much higher than outside and it only takes a few minutes for severe medical problems and even death to occur.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical care immediately if you know someone who experiences symptoms. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; weak pulse; fainting; vomiting. Signs of heat stroke include high body temperature (103 degrees or higher); hot, dry skin; rapid and strong pulse; possible unconsciousness.
Pet Safety
King County animal control officers will respond to resident calls about animals in distress due to the heat. Call 911 or 206-296-PETS (7387) if you see a pet in a hot car, or an animal that lacks access to fresh water and shade.