Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Take extra care when it’s hot and smoky at the same time.

  •  As with wildfire smoke exposures, heat illness symptoms range from mild to severe--including muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, thirst, nausea, confusion, high body temperatures and more. Heat stroke can be deadly. Know the signs of heat illness that require immediate medical attention.
  • When outdoor heat and smoke overlap, stay safe by spending time in spaces with both indoor cooling and air filtration. To cool spaces with no A/C, pull shades to block daytime heat. Use portable air cleaners or DIY box fan filters to help cool and clean air. Open windows when it’s cooler outside than inside or when smoke levels improve.
  • Pay attention to how you are feeling and adjust. Stay hydrated and limit activity until heat and smoke improve. Cool off by taking a cool bath or shower, put your feet in cool water, or apply wet rags to your neck or body.
  • To find Cooling Centers in Washington: Dial 2-1-1 during business hours, or visit wa211.org any time for lists of Extreme Weather Shelters and Cooling Centers. If no Cooling Centers near you are listed on Washington 2-1-1, contact your city or county health department for additional options.
  • Check National Weather Service HeatRisk for heat forecasts. See “How to use the HeatRisk Tool and Air Quality Index" for steps to take at increasing risk levels.



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