To help the Issaquah community stay cool during this hot weather – and avoid the wildfire smoke – the city of Issaquah is operating a cooling center from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 3-4 at the Issaquah Senior Center, 75 Northeast Creek Way.
Community members are welcome to stop by and cool off in the center’s air conditioning.
As temperatures rise to record or near-record highs, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the Puget Sound region through Aug. 4.
An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of unusually hot weather will occur, creating a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible.
Air-conditioned areas
Other air-conditioned areas are also available in Issaquah during regular business hours, including the Issaquah Library, Issaquah Community Center, 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. A full list of cooling centers is available online.
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.
Wildfire smoke
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has declared that the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, elderly, and those with heart and breathing problems to be cautious.
Wildfire smoke has been moving in from British Columbia and is expected to remain in the region and negatively affect air quality through at least Aug. 4. Children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with heart and breathing problems should avoid physical exertion outdoors. People in these groups should stay indoors and keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed and run an air conditioner, if possible. If you don’t have air conditioning or housing, consider visiting a cooling center.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued its first-ever summertime air quality burn ban. During the current Stage 1 burn ban, residents are not allowed to use charcoal barbeques, campfires/bonfires, fire pits, chimneys, fire bowls or similar free-standing devices. This air quality burn ban is in addition to fire safety burn bans.
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.
