An extended heat wave will affect Vashon and the rest of the Puget Sound this weekend with high temperatures above 105 degrees predicted Sunday and Monday.
Heat waves can be dangerous for elders, infants, people on medications, and people with health conditions that increase heat sensitivity, so it's important to take sensible precautions to avoid heat-related illness.
Here are some tips to beat the heat from Public Health -- Seattle & King County and VashonBePrepared....
- Minimize physical exertion and do outdoor activities during the cooler morning hours.
- Stay in the shade and keep sipping a cool non-alcoholic drink. Water is best.
- Don't leave people or pets in the car, even with the windows rolled down.
- Wear light, loose, breathable clothing, preferably cotton.
- Check on others, to spot and respond to any signs of heat illness, such as nausea and confusion, dry hot flushed skin, and rapid pulse.
- Practice water safety by using personal flotation devices, and remember the sunscreen.
Few people in our area have air conditioning but you can improvise. You can make a simple evaporative cooler -- like a swamp cooler -- by draping a wet towel over a chair and aiming your fan at it so the cooled air blows your way. Remoisten the towel when it gets too dry to make cool air.
See the hot weather blog at Public Health Seattle - King County for more tips to beat the heat.
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/emergency-preparedness/preparing-yourself/hot-weather.aspx
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The Vashon Beachcomber has done a nice article on a key aspect of last week’s 2012 Evergreen Quake exercise. Entitled, “Emergency drill shows a marine lifeline could be established for Vashon”, Editor and author Leslie Brown included a number of great quotes from islanders and county officials and crew. She noted key advances such as actually testing gurneys with the boat to be aware of potential issues ahead of time.