Snoqualmie Valley offering cooling shelters
August 16, 2012
By Administrator
Temperatures are expected to reach the 90s today and tomorrow, but there are some options for staying cool, according to a press release from the city of Snoqualmie.
If staying in your air-conditioned home isn’t an option, consider visiting a mall, movie theater or other cool public places.
Cooling shelters have opened throughout the Puget Sound region. For a list of shelters and hours, please check the King County website at www.kingcounty.gov.
In the Snoqualmie Valley, Mt. Si Senior Center is open to all ages as a temporary place to cool down. It is located in North Bend at 411 Main Ave. S. Hours for Aug. 16 and 17 are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please bring your own water and snacks.
The Snoqualmie Valley YMCA is open to facility and non-facility members to cool down. Non-facility members are welcome in the air-conditioned community meeting room (all ages) and the Youth Development Center (6th grade and above). The YMCA is located on Snoqualmie Ridge at 35018 SE Ridge St. by Snoqualmie Community Park. Hours of operation on Aug. 16 and 17 are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check in at the front counter. Anyone older than 16 should bring identification. Please bring your own water and snacks.
Don’t forget your local library! Although not official cooling shelters, you can certainly go and read for awhile or use the computers, according to the press release. The Snoqualmie Library is located at 7824 Center Blvd. SE on Snoqualmie Ridge. Information: 888-1223
The King County website www.kingcounty.gov also has a lot of information for dealing with the heat. Following are just a few things to keep in mind.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late evening, if possible. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar because they can actually de-hydrate your body. Have a beverage with you at all times, and sip or drink frequently. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
If you must go outside, wear light colored, loose fitting clothing and sunscreen. Avoid or reduce strenuous or tiring activities that take a lot of energy. Do outdoor activities in the cooler morning and evening hours.
Check in on neighbors who may need assistance. Older adults, young children and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk for heat-related illness, according to the press release. Closely monitor children and pets for heat-related signs and symptoms and never leave them in unattended vehicles.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting. If you see someone with signs of overheating, move the person to a cooler location, have them rest for a few minutes and then slowly drink a cool beverage. Get medical attention for them immediately if they do not feel better. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability unless treated immediately.
Symptoms of heat stroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.
Rivers are a big temptation in hot weather, but it would be safer to go to a beach, lake or pool that has a lifeguard present, according to the press release. If you do go to a river, please exercise caution, especially with children, staying close enough to reach them immediately. Always wear a life vest. When floating a river, always tell someone that is not with you when you expect to put in and take out. Don’t float a river alone.
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