Seattle Extreme Heat Advisory June 26-27

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The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for the Greater Puget Sound Region for Friday afternoon through late Saturday night. Information contained in this email will help you keep your staff, clients and community safe during the hot weather. We have provided key messages and sample social media posts to help with your outreach efforts.

The very young and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the heat so it is important that families and friends check on them regularly. People with chronic health issues are also at greater risk and need to take special care to stay healthy in the heat.

The danger for heat-related illnesses rises when:

· outside temperatures are very high, or

· there is a combination of high temperatures and high humidity, and

· there is little or no cooling for several nights in a row.

For more information (and information in multiple languages):

· Downloadable heat brochures and fact sheets in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese: http://www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat

· Heat brochures and posters for people experiencing homelessness: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/HCHN/brochures.aspx

· Extreme heat PSA - includes a video and audio message in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali from ECHO Minnesota: http://www.echominnesota.org/library/extreme-heat-psa

· Information on pet safety: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/pet-safety/protecting-pets-from-heat

· Information on water safety: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/injury/water.aspx

Key messages on how to stay safe in hot weather

Extremely hot weather can cause sickness or even death.

Who is at highest risk for heat-related illness:

· Older adults

· Young children

· People with mental illness and chronic diseases

· Athletes who exercise outdoors

· Outdoor workers

· People experiencing homelessness

During very hot weather:

· Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors twice a day.

· Stay cool. Spend time in air-conditioned buildings and avoid direct contact with the sun. Many cities in King County will offer cooling centers for those who need them.

· Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more.

· Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.

· Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical care immediately if you know someone who experiences symptoms.

Signs of heat exhaustion:

· Heavy sweating

· Weakness

· Cold, pale, and clammy skin

· Weak pulse

· Fainting

· Vomiting

Signs of heat stroke:

· High body temperature (103° F or higher)

· Hot, dry skin

· Rapid and strong pulse

· Possible unconsciousness

Drowning prevention:

· If you go on or in rivers, lakes, or even swimming pools without lifeguards, wearing a life jacket is always recommended

· King County rivers are extremely cold, fast moving and dangerous

· Know the water, know your limits and wear a life jacket

· Avoid drinking alcohol or using other substances when swimming, boating or doing other water-oriented sports

Sample Social Media Posts (for Facebook and Twitter) your Organizations can use

Facebook

[This weekend’s] forecast calls for hot weather. Seniors, young children, people with chronic diseases, and people who work or exercise outdoors are at higher risk for heat-related illness. Please check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors when the temperatures rise! http://1.usa.gov/TpowLz

Temperatures in the 80s may not seem that high, there is still a higher risk of heat-related illness since when the humidity is high and it doesn’t cool down at night. Make sure to drink plenty of liquids and stay out of the sun if you can. And never leave babies, children or pets in parked cars, even with the windows cracked! http://1.usa.gov/TpowLz

Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, clammy skin, and vomiting. Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature of 103° F or higher, hot and dry skin, a rapid pulse, and on occasion, unconsciousness. Seek medical help immediately if you know someone who shows symptoms! http://1.usa.gov/TpowLz

Twitter

Heat stroke risk is highest for elderly. Please check on elderly family, friends & neighbors today. http://1.usa.gov/11SxdzJ

Forget soda, beer & coffee TODAY. Sugar, caffeine & alcohol de-hydrate you. Refresh yourself with good ol’ H2O. http://1.usa.gov/11SxdzJ

On an 80-degree day parked car temps can reach 130+ in minutes. Bring kids, pets, babies and folks w/ mobility challenges inside! http://1.usa.gov/11SxdzJ

Certain medications may increase risk for heat-related illness. Check with your doctor if this is a concern. http://1.usa.gov/11SxdzJ

Work outdoors? Take frequent breaks in shade or air-con. Wear light, loose clothing. More tips: http://1.usa.gov/11SxdzJ

Thanks for all you do to keep our community safe! Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions.