Beat the Heat: Cooling Centers Available in Renton

While there is no longer an excessive heat warning for Tuesday, the National Weather Service's forecast for Renton still has temperatures reading the mid to high 80s.

To help residents beat the heat, the Renton Senior Activity Center at 211 Burnett Avenue N. will be open on Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Renton Community Center at 1715 SE Maple Valley Highway will be open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. 

Other public places such as libraries, movie theaters and stores are also good places to beat the heat.

City of Renton officials are continuing to monitor the weather conditions and needs of the community and will provide additional support as warranted. The city is asking citizens to be proactive in planning to stay safe in the heat, and take appropriate measures to protect their personal health, reduce the risk of fire, and prevent criminals from entering their home. 

Family, friends and neighbors are also urged to check in frequently with elderly residents who may need assistance during the hot weather.

Tips to protect yourself:

Stay cool:

• Spend more time in air conditioned places. If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting a mall, 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 dehydrate 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, but drowning is a real concern. Please use caution and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) on the water. And if you want to swim, choose a safer location-visit a local pool or lifeguarded beach instead.

More tips in English, Spanish, Chinese Vietnamese, Russian and Korean are available here.

The National Weather Service has also posted three red flag warnings for critical fire weather conditions in Western Washington. Outdoor burning including recreational fires are prohibited. For more information visit http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew.

For more information please visit the City of Renton's website at rentonwa.gov.