Submitted by Thurston County
Some Buildings Open to Help Beat the Record Heat
County residents reminded of fireworks, swimming safety during hot, dry weather
It didn’t take long for the summer heat to take hold in Thurston County, with near-record temperatures that are expected to climb into the 80s and possibly break 90 degrees during the holiday week.
Some spaces with air conditioning are now open to the public in Thurston County to help residents who may have trouble beating the heat.
City of Tumwater Old Town Center
215 N 2nd Ave. SW in Tumwater
(360) 754-4160
Open Monday – Wednesday (July 1 – 3) from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m
Open as a cooling center when temperatures reach 90 degrees or greater.
6757 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey
Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
360-407-3967 (call to verify holiday schedule)
187 Hodgden St. S in Tenino, next door to City Hall
(360) 264-4116
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 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
360-586-6181 (call to verify holiday schedule)
For adults 55 and over.
461 Secena Road
Oakville, WA
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of cooler conditions in public buildings such as libraries, movie theaters and malls. Frequently check on those who are at risk and may be affected by the heat. The elderly, young children, infants and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk during extreme hot weather.
Water Safety
A day at the beach or on the lake is a great way to beat the holiday heat, and following some simple water safety tips can keep your fun in the sun from taking a tragic turn.
•Life jackets save lives! The best way for kids and adults to stay safe when swimming, boating or floating is to wear a life jacket that fits you well.
•The air may be hot, but the water is still cold. Many rivers and lakes in western Washington are fed by snow melt and glaciers, and the average water temperature for Puget Sound is only about 60 degrees. Stay close to shore and rest if you are cold or tired.
•Always swim with a buddy, and swim where there are lifeguards when possible. Let friends and family know where you plan to swim and when you expect to return home.
•Swimming in open water is harder than in a pool, and even strong swimmers will tire faster and get into trouble more quickly. Stay close to shore where rescuers can easily reach you in an emergency.
•Rivers, lakes and beaches have hidden hazards. Watch out for sudden drop-offs, riptides and currents, rocks, logs and snags that are hidden underwater.
•Stay sober and know your limits. Learn CPR and always take a cell phone with GPS.
Do you need a life jacket before you hit the water? Safe Kids Thurston County has a life jacket loaner program, where you can borrow life jackets at no cost. The life jacket loaner program has life jackets in every size, from infant to adult, available at Kenneydell Park, Pioneer Park, Millersylvania State Park and Offutt Lake Resort. Visit www.SafeKidsThurstonCounty.org/water-safety for more information on the life jacket loaner program and other child safety information.
FIREWORKS SAFETY
When dry hot weather takes hold, grasses, shrubs, woody debris and the roofs of homes and buildings can dry out quickly and increase the fire risk from 4th of July fireworks, so Thurston County residents are encouraged to let the pros illuminate your 4th of July holiday, and if you do purchase fireworks, stick with safe and sane fireworks at permitted fireworks stands.
In unincorporated Thurston County, it’s legal to sell fireworks through 9 p.m. on July 4. It’s legal to discharge fireworks ONLY from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 and 4. The sale and discharge of fireworks is banned in the city of Lacey and the city of Olympia. For more fireworks and 4th of July safety tips, visit www.SafeKidsThurstonCounty.org.
For additional safety tips on how to beat the heat, download the Thurston County Media One pamphlet at www.co.thurston.wa.us/medic1/documents/Heat-injury-pamphlet.pdf.
