Kelli Hawkins, SRHD | [email protected] | (509) 324-1539, c (509) 994-8968
Gerry Bozarth, SCEM | [email protected] | (509) 477-7613, c (509) 939-1581

SPOKANE, Wash. – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Spokane has forecast extreme heat with temperatures in the high to very high heat hazard category Monday through Saturday, which can be especially problematic for heat-sensitive people and those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration, say experts from Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and Spokane County Emergency Management (SCEM).

The NWS has issued an excessive heat watch in anticipation of an extreme heat wave affecting the interior northwest this week. Starting Monday, temperatures will warm into the upper 90s before hitting the high 100s Wednesday through Friday. Daily high and low temperatures are within reach during the peak of the heatwave, Wednesday through Friday.

“Stay safe and healthy in hot weather. Know the signs of heat-related illness and simple things you can do, like drink plenty of fluids, to reduce your risk,” said Dr Francisco Velázquez, lead of SRHD health.

Health officials explained that children, the elderly, the homeless, people with chronic illnesses and people taking certain medications, such as blood pressure medications or antihistamines, are particularly at risk for associated health problems. to high temperatures, including heat exhaustion.

Prolonged exposure to high heat can lead to heat exhaustion with symptoms ranging from dizziness, weakness and nausea to lack of coordination, and can develop into heat stroke, which is life threatening and requires medical attention. immediate medical help.

Velázquez encourages people to check on neighbors and relatives who fall into these risky categories or who may not have adequate cooling in their homes.

To learn more about the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and how to treat them, visit srhd.org, where the following resources are available:

To avoid heat illness in hot weather:

• Drink plenty of water or fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid caffeine or alcohol.
• Limit time spent outdoors, especially in the afternoon when the day is hottest.
• Be careful when exercising or doing a lot of activities in hot weather. Avoid exposure to the sun, take frequent breaks, drink water or juice often, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Dress according to the weather. Loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothes are cooler than dark colors or some synthetics.
• If you live in a home without a fan or air conditioning, open the windows to allow air circulation and keep blinds, blinds, or curtains drawn during the hottest part of the day or when the windows are exposed to the heat. direct sunlight. Cool showers can also help. Do not use a fan when the air temperature is above 95 degrees – it will blow hot air which can add to heat stress.
• Take a break from the heat by visiting public places where it’s cooler, like the mall, watching a movie at the theater, visiting a public library, or using a designated cooling center in your community. SRHD will list locations as reported to us on the Extreme Heat page of our website.

Health officials also warn that the temperature inside a parked car can reach over 120 degrees in as little as 10 minutes. Direct sunlight and dark colored interiors further speed up the process. Children and animals should never be left in a parked car, even for a few minutes and even with the windows open. Lock parked cars to prevent children from playing in them and it is advisable to leave pets at home even for short trips. SCEM officials advise people to call 911 if they see children or pets locked in an unattended vehicle.

Spokane Regional Animal Protection Agency (SCRAPS)

Keep your pets indoors if possible. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of fresh water and somewhere out of the sun. Please leave your pets at home during these extreme weather conditions unless you can take them everywhere with you. Also, don’t walk or run until the sun goes down and the pavement cools down. If you put your hand on the pavement and it’s hot, it can burn your pet’s paws.

Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving all 39 counties in Washington State. Visit www.srhd.org for complete, up-to-date information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive safety and wellness advice.

Spokane County Emergency Management (SCEM) is the county department responsible for coordinating activities related to emergency and disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery for Spokane County, and our incorporated cities and towns. SCEM supports collaboration and communication between governmental, non-governmental and private sector partners to engage and support resilience of the whole community.

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