Hot Weather Safety

Extreme Heat

On hot days, there are actions you should take to stay cool and stay healthy: 

• Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day and drink before you feel thirsty.
• Limit times outdoors.
• Reduce physical activity.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• Use cold washcloths on neck or wrists.
• Spend time in air-conditioned spaces such as public library, senior center, or mall. 
• Keep your blinds and windows shut during the day and open at night when temperatures are cooler.
• Limit use of ovens, stoves, or other appliances that increase indoor temperatures

Try to reduce physical activity and drink lots of fluids. This will help prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke. Symptoms of heat related illnesses may include: 

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fast Pulse
• Confusion

For heat safety preparedness on the job, please visit Be Heat Smart and talk to your supervisor.

NEVER leave children or animals in the car. It gets hot very quickly inside vehicles and if a child or pet is left in a hot car; death from heat exposure is very possible.

Swimming and cooling off in your local lake, river, or pool can be a fun way to beat the heat. However, it can become deadly very quickly. Drowning occurs too often in Washington during the summer. To help prevent drowning, know your limits and the water conditions! Swimming in open water can be more difficult than a pool. Swimmers can tire more quickly and find themselves unable to get to shore. Water in Western Washington rarely gets warm and sudden immersion into cold water can lead to "shock" making it difficult to swim. Rivers can run fast causing swimmers to be swept away and log jams or rocks can force someone under water. It can be incredibly difficult to resurface.

To protect yourself in the water, wear a life-jacket that properly fits, swim in an area with a lifeguard, and stay sober when you're in the water

Remember always wear sunscreen, practice safe water practices, and drink lots of fluids when its hot outside.

Extreme Heat Resources

• Heat Risk Map
• Vulnerable Groups
• Pets
• Preventing Heat-Related Illness
• King County Public Health: Hot Weather
• National Weather Service: Heat Safety
• Department of Health: Hot Weather Safety
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Extreme Heat