Staying Cool When Temperatures Heat Up

Staying Cool When Temperatures Heat Up

When outside temperatures are very high, the danger for heat-related illness rises. Older adults, young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at particularly high risk.

Tips to help you and your family stay safe

Keep cool:

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
• Dress in lightweight clothing.
• Check on your elderly neighbors and relatives, and encourage them to keep cool and hydrated.

Drink liquids:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and lots of sugar—they actually dehydrate you.
• Keep water with you whenever possible, and sip or drink frequently.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

If you go outside:

• Limit the time you’re in direct sunlight.
• Do not leave infants, children, people with mobility challenges and pets in a parked car.
• Limit activities that are tiring, or that take a lot of energy.
• Do outdoor activities in the cooler morning and evening hours.
• Avoid sunburn. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

Hot weather tips from TPCHD
Hot weather tips from the WA Department of Health

Water Safety

Some people may choose to visit local lakes, rivers and beaches to cool off, but drowning is a real concern. Kids can disappear under water in the blink of an eye and even adults with strong swimming skills can be surprised and disabled by extreme cold water.

• Be a “water watcher” – provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising
• Avoid distractions including cell phones
• Teach children to always ask permission to go near water
• Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
• Always swim with a buddy
• Don’t use alcohol or drugs (including certain prescription medications) before or while swimming, diving or supervising swimmers
• Avoid areas with moving water, waves or rip currents
• Always enter unknown or shallow water feet first
• Choose to swim at local pools that are staffed with lifeguards instead of at public beaches.

Swimming Safety tips from the American Red Cross

Avoid the heat. Take your workout indoors at our 4 community centers.

• Center at Norpoint
• Eastside Community Center
• People’s Center
• STAR Center

Loaner Life Jackets