Staying cool and healthy during hot weather
Información en español del CDC
Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can't properly cool you off. Learn more about signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Older adults, young children, people with health conditions, people who work or exercise outdoors, and people who do not have access to air conditioning are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses. Take care of yourself and check on loved ones, friends, and neighbors when temperatures heat up.
The CDC recommends these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths during hot weather:
- Stay in a cool, indoor location as much as possible.
- Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Check temperature forecasts when scheduling outdoor activities. Limit strenuous activities to mornings and evenings, when temperatures are cooler.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
- Pace yourself when working or exercising and take frequent breaks.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
- Never leave children or pets in cars.
- Check the local news for health and safety updates.
IDEAS FOR COOLING OFF IN KITSAP COUNTY
Kitsap County can open cooling centers when high temperatures are predicted over an extended period of time. For updates, check the Kitsap Department of Emergency Management website or call 211.
More tips for staying cool:
- Visit a local swimming beach or sit in the shade near the water (see a list of all swimming beaches monitored by the Kitsap Public Health District).
- Many local parks have shade and some have beach access. Most are open dawn-dusk.
- Kitsap County Parks
- City of Bremerton Parks
- City of Poulsbo Parks
- City of Port Orchard Parks
- Bainbridge Island Parks
- Go swimming at a local swimming pool.
- Visit the library. Most Kitsap Regional Library locations have air conditioning.
- Go to a movie or museum.
- Spend time at local businesses (stores and malls usually have air conditioning).
RESOURCES:
- National Weather Service forecasts
- CDC Extreme Heat page
- Washington State Department of Health Hot Weather Precautions fact sheet (multiple languages)
- Kitsap Department of Emergency Management