Extreme Heat
Extreme Heat is defined as several days of hotter-than-average temperatures.
Before the Storm
Be sure to check the weather in advance. If a heat storm is coming, you can prepare in the following ways:
- Plan to limit times outdoors when possible.
- Make note of your local heat shelters if needed (King County and Snohomish County).
- Ensure you have a supply of water, ice, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing.
- If your job entails working outside, visit Washington State Department of Labor & Industries’ Be Heat Smart site and talk to your supervisor.
- Make indoor plans for children and pets to protect vulnerable groups that often play outside.
Get to Know Signs of Danger
One of the best ways to prepare is to empower yourself with knowledge. Learn the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fast Pulse
- Confusion
- Red, hot, and dry skin
- Extremely high body temperature (above 103ºF)
- Unconsciousness
Make a note of your closest emergency room and urgent care facilities if any symptoms become extreme.
What to Do
On hot days, there are actions you should take to stay cool and healthy:
- Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day and drink before you feel thirsty.
- Limit time outdoors.
- Reduce physical activity.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- Use cold washcloths on neck or wrists.
- Spend time in air-conditioned spaces such as a cooling center, 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.
Never leave animals or children 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.
Remember to always wear sunscreen, practice safe water practices, and drink lots of fluids when it’s hot outside.
Take Care
Understand that while the weather may have improved, your body could still be recovering from the stress of the past days’ heat. Continue to hydrate and listen to your body for any concerning symptoms.
Have you run out of any supplies during the heat wave? Be sure to restock on things like ice, sunscreen, and more to stay prepared for future hot days.