OLYMPIA – Don’t let the scorching summer heat scorch you. Thurston County residents are urged to follow some easy hot weather safety tips to stay cool and stay safe as near-record temperatures above 90 degrees are predicted for the South Sound region.
The following Thurston County cooling centers are open to the public, offering relief from the extreme heat:
Black Lake Fire Station #95
5911 Black Lake Blvd. in Olympia
(360) 866-1000
Open Aug. 15 – 19 from noon to 9 p.m.
Must bring own snacks, etc. Service animals only, no other pets allowed.
McLane Fire Station #91
125 Delphi Road NW in Olympia
(360) 866-1000
Open Aug. 16 – 19 from noon to 9 p.m.
Must bring own snacks, etc. Service animals only, no other pets allowed.
City of Tumwater Old Town Center
215 N 2nd Ave. SW in Tumwater
(360) 754-4160
Open Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Open as a cooling center when temperatures reach 90 degrees or greater.
Tenino Fire District #12
187 Hodgden St. S in Tenino, next door to City Hall
(360) 264-4116
City of Yelm Public Safety Building
206 McKenzie Ave. SE in Yelm
Open Aug. 16 – 17 from noon to 5 p.m.
May extend hours both days if needed.
East Olympia Fire District, Headquarters Station 61
8047 Normandy St. SE in Olympia
(360) 491-5533
Open Aug. 16 – 17 from noon to 9 p.m.
Must bring own snacks, etc. Service animals only, no other pets allowed.
The Olympia Center
222 Columbia St. NW in Olympia
(360) 753-8380
Open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Senior Services for South Sound at The Olympia Center
(360) 753-8380
222 Columbia St. NW in Olympia
Open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For adults 55 and over.
Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of cooler conditions in public buildings such as libraries, movie theaters and malls.
For updated information on cooling center locations, go to the Thurston County Emergency Management website at www.co.thurston.wa.us/em.
The Washington State Emergency Management Division has tips for preventing heat-related illness, tips for keeping your pets safe, and a list of signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. With nearly 700 deaths each year in the U.S. related to extreme heat exposure, Thurston County residents are advised to follow these safety tips.
For more information, go to http://www.emd.wa.gov/ and click on “Summer Hazards” (http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_infocus_summersafety2012.shtml#HotWeather).
PREVENTION:
- Frequently check on those who are at risk and may be affected by the heat. The elderly, young children and infants, and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk during extreme hot weather.
- NEVER leave children or pets in a car! Even a quick errand, such as picking up a gallon of milk, can potentially be fatal.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine.
- Avoid strenuous activity.
- Dress in light weight clothing.
- Stay indoors and use air-conditioning when possible.
PET SAFETY:
- NEVER leave a pet in a car!
- Give pets plenty of fresh, clean water.
- Make sure outdoor pets have plenty of well-ventilated shade.
- Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers.
- Trimming long or thick pet hair on your pet is ok, but never shave your pet down to the skin—the layers of pet’s fur protect them from overheating and sunburn. If you use sunscreen or insect on your pet, make sure it is labeled specifically for use on animals.
- Just like humans, pets should avoid strenuous activity. Walk your dog in the morning or evening to avoid overheating and burned paws from hot asphalt.
- Watch for signs of overheating in your pet: excessive panting; increased heart and respiratory rate; drooling; mild weakness; stupor or collapse.
DANGER SIGNS:
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: fatigue; headache; muscle cramps; nausea or vomiting; dizziness or fainting.
- Watch for signs of heatstroke: a body temperature above 103 degrees; a rapid, strong pulse; red, hot and dry skin; throbbing headache; dizziness; confusion; nausea.
