Tips for safely beating the heat in Kent

The National Weather Service has announced an excessive heat watch in Kent for Thursday and Friday, with temperatures that will rise into the low to mid 90s.

When outside temperatures are very high, the danger for heat-related illnesses rises. Older adults, young children and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at particularly high risk.

Seattle & King County Public Health has provided the following information to beat the heat safely.

Stay cool:

• Spend more time in air conditioned places. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting a mall, a movie theater or other cool public places.

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.

• 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 de-hydrate 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. Please use caution and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) on the water.

More tips in English, Spanish, Chinese Vietnamese, Russian and Korean are available on the Beat the Heat webpage at www.kingcounty.gov/health/beattheheat.aspx.