HomeMy WebLinkAbout070113_Heat safety press release
website:rentonwa.gov
City of Renton - 1055 South Grady Way Renton, WA 98057
July 1, 2013
For more information contact:
Timothy Williams, Recreation Director, 425-430-6615
Mindi Mattson, Emergency Management Coordinator, 425-430-7041
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
National Weather Service Issues Excessive Heat Warning
Renton Senior Activity Center and Renton Community Center Open
RENTON: The National Weather Service has announced an excessive heat warning for the
region, with temperatures that will rise from the mid 80s to the mid 90s. Typically, an excessive
heat warning is issued when there is prolonged period of high temperatures and the
combination of hot temperatures and high humidity increases the danger for heat-related
illnesses. Older adults, young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are
at particularly high risk.
To help residents beat the heat, the Renton Senior Activity Center at 211 Burnett Avenue N. in
Renton will be open on Monday and Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the Renton
Community Center at 1715 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton, will be open from 6:00 a.m.-10:00
p.m. Other public places such as libraries, movie theaters and stores are also good places to beat
the heat.
City of Renton officials are continuing to monitor the weather conditions and needs of the
community and will provide additional support as warranted. The city is asking citizens to be
proactive in planning to stay safe in the heat, and take appropriate measures to protect their
personal health, reduce the risk of fire, and prevent criminals from entering their home. Family,
friends and neighbors are also urged to check in frequently with elderly residents who may
need assistance during the hot weather.
Tips to protect yourself:
Stay cool:
Spend more time in air conditioned places. If you don't have air conditioning, consider
visiting a mall, movie theater or other cool public places.
Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
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Dress in lightweight clothing.
Check up on your elderly neighbors and relatives and encourage them to take these
precautions, too.
Drink liquids:
Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar
because they can actually dehydrate your body.
Have a beverage with you as much as 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,
even with the window rolled down.
Avoid or reduce doing activities that are tiring or 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.
Water safety:
Some people turn to local rivers to cool off, but drowning is a real concern. Please use
caution and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) on the water. And if you want to
swim, choose a safer location–visit a local pool or lifeguarded beach instead.
More tips in English, Spanish, Chinese Vietnamese, Russian and Kore an are available at
www.kingcounty.gov/health/beattheheat.aspx
The National Weather Service has also posted three red flag warnings for critical fire weather
conditions in Western Washington. Outdoor burning including recreational fires are prohibited.
For more information visit http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew.
For more information please visit the City of Renton’s website at rentonwa .gov.