Disasters Don’t Wait. Be Prepared!

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(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Did you know that National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies? This year, Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3”. Though preparedness is for everyone, this year’s campaign focuses on preparing older adults and their caregivers for all kinds of hazards including floods, fires, earthquakes, and more. Several factors make older adults more vulnerable to the impacts of disasters, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas.

If you are an older adult or there is someone in your life who is (like a neighbor, friend, or family member), here are some tips and resources for preparing for the unexpected.

1. Assess your needs.

An important first step in preparedness is understanding the risks you may encounter – big and small. Knowing what you may face will help you assess your needs and get you started on your preparedness journey. Learn about the types of disasters that could happen in your community, sign up for alerts and warnings, and think about what needs you have.

  • Do you have any medical conditions or dietary restrictions that require specific care or medication?
  • Do you have mobility challenges or need assistance with transportation if there was an evacuation?
  • Do you have medical equipment that requires electricity?

Think about how to prepare for your needs to be met and make sure your loved ones and caregivers are aware of your plan.

2. Make a plan.

Now that you’ve assessed your needs, it’s time to make a plan. Because disasters and emergencies can strike with no warning, it is vital to have a plan and be prepared. It is also essential to create a support network. Though a support network can look different for everyone, it might consist of family, friends, caregivers, and neighbors. Include these people in your planning and practice with them. Make sure at least one person in your support network has a spare key to your home, knows where your emergency kit is, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine. Additional things to consider when making a plan include:

  • What is your communication plan for notifying loved ones about the emergency?
  • Do you need transportation assistance or additional travel time if you need to evacuate? Identify an accessible evacuation route and shelter and plan for transportation assistance if needed in advance.
  • Don’t forget your pets or service animals. Not all shelters accept pets, so plan for alternatives and consider asking friends or loved ones outside of your immediate area if they can help.

3. Build a kit.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Make sure you have your own food, water, and other essential supplies to last for several days. Some important things to consider including in your emergency kit as an older adult include:

  • Medicine and medical supplies (a week-long supply, if possible)
  • Assistive devices (hearing aids, mobility aids, eyeglasses) and spare batteries
  • Care plan – a list of prescriptions, dosage information, and medical providers
  • Important documents (identification, insurance cards, wills, power of attorney documents, deeds, etc.)
  • Contact list (people you want or need to be connected to during an emergency)

Emergency planning can look different for everyone. Check out this preparedness guide and emergency kit checklist for additional tips, ideas, and worksheets. Take time today to assess your needs, make a plan, and build a kit!

Additional preparedness resources and information:

FEMA Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults

Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov

Older Adults | Ready.gov

Older Adults Emergency Preparedness | American Red Cross

Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans – YouTube

It’s Bat Time of Year Again!

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But, they’re sooo cute! Backyard wildlife really can be full of cute-looking creatures. I mean, check these charming ones out:

Here in Skagit County, we can potentially spot all of these critters in our living environment at different times. And, since all of these mammals can carry diseases, the general rule is please, DO NOT feed them and avoid direct contact with these cuties, especially if they look injured or sick.

I could end this blog here and feel pretty good about it, but I’d like to focus a little more on bats and what to do if you find one in or near your home!

If you find a live bat in your home and are sure no one in your house has had any contact with the bat:

  • Don’t Panic: Stay calm and avoid direct contact with the bat. Healthy bats normally avoid contact with humans and other animals.
  • Isolate the Bat: If possible, confine the bat to a single room by closing all doors and windows except for one leading outside. This will make it easier for professionals to capture or release the bat.
  • Protect Yourself: Wear gloves and use a container like a plastic tub or a cardboard box to safely capture the bat if it’s not flying. Approach the bat slowly and gently place the container over it. Then, slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside. Secure the container with tape if necessary.
  • Release the Bat: If the bat is unharmed and you are certain the bat did not have contact with any person in your household, you can release it outside during the evening. Bats are nocturnal and will be more active at night. Simply open the container outside and let the bat fly away.
  • Bat-Proof Your Home: To prevent bats from entering your home, make sure your home is properly sealed. Check for any gaps or openings in walls, roofs, and windows that bats could use to enter. More information on bat-proofing your home can be found here.

If you think you’ve been exposed to a bat (had a bite, scratch or other contact with mucous membrane, wound or non-intact skin):

  • Rabies Concerns: Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). All warm-blooded mammals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies. If there was any chance of exposure to the bat (like if you woke up and found it in your room), it’s important to capture the bat for rabies testing if you can do so safely and without direct contact. Wear leather gloves and use a container or box to trap the bat. While only 3-10 % of bats submitted for testing are found to have the rabies virus, testing can prevent the need for post exposure prophylaxis if the bat does not have rabies.  If the bat tests positive, then there is time to intervene in the disease progression and provide prophylaxis to exposed people.
  • Wash the Affected Area: If you had direct contact with the bat (e.g., a bite or scratch), wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water for at least five minutes.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Contact a healthcare professional to evaluate the situation. They will determine whether you need to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies. PEP usually involves a series of rabies vaccinations.
  • Contact Health Authorities: Report the incident to your local health department (for Skagit County Public Health call (360) 416-1500).  You will receive guidance on next steps, including whether the bat should be tested for rabies.
  • Rabies Testing: If the bat is captured, the local health department will provide instructions for submitting the bat for rabies testing.
  • Rabies Vaccination: Rabies is preventable through vaccination. If you have an occupation or activity that will place you at high risk of bat exposure, your healthcare provider might recommend pre-exposure rabies vaccinations to provide protection in case of future exposure.

How to protect your pets from being exposed to rabies from bats:

  • Vaccinate your pets against rabies. Rabies vaccination of pets is required in Washington State. If you are uncertain of your pet’s vaccination status talk to your veterinarian and ensure you keep your pet up to date with booster doses.
  • Provide supervision during early morning and evening outings. Bats are most active at dusk, night, and pre-dawn. If you’re outside with your pet during dusk or dawn, supervise them closely to prevent them from interacting with any bats they might encounter.
  • Bat-proof your home. To prevent bats from entering your home and potentially interacting with your pet, make sure your home is properly sealed. Check for any gaps or openings in walls, roofs, and windows that bats could use to enter. More information on bat-proofing your home can be found here.
  • Pet Restraints. If you’re in an area where bats are active, keep your pet on a leash or under close control when outdoors to minimize the chance of interactions with bats.

Remember, even though this blog has had unsavory moments, most bats are completely healthy and vital to our Pacific Northwest ecosystem. They eat insects, helping to control pests. Bat droppings (called guano) are a source of nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Bats also play a role in pollination, which aids our agricultural economy here in Skagit County.

Get Back to School Ready: Emergency Preparedness Edition

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From school supply shopping to re-acclimating your kids to an early morning routine, there is a lot of preparing that goes into the start of the new school year. As school supplies are packed into backpacks and the finishing touches are put on that first day of school outfit, don’t forget to take the time to build an emergency kit, make a family communication plan, and know how you will reunite with your kids if there is an emergency.

A little preparation now can make a big difference later! Here are some tips for preparing your kids for emergencies to stay safe if the unexpected occurs.

Make a Go Bag (or two).

A go bag, or disaster kit, is a collection of basic items designed to provide survival essentials in the case of a short-term disaster (it is recommended to have enough supplies to last for at least three days in your go bag). When assembling your kit, collect the items together with your child and talk to them about what they need in their go bag and the importance of each item. Items like a book, puzzle, and a favorite stuffed animal or blanket is a great comfort item to consider when assembling your kit.

Remember, everyone has different needs, so be sure to keep that in mind when assembling your go bags! You never know when a disaster or emergency might strike, so consider making multiple go bags and storing them both at home and in your vehicle. Check out these printable go bag checklists and start building your go bags today!

Make a family communication plan.

If a disaster or emergency strikes, knowing how to contact one another and reconnect if separated is an important part of emergency planning for you and your family.

In the case of an emergency at school, it’s always good to know what kind of emergency plan is in place at your child’s school. If you don’t know what the school’s emergency plan is, ask for it and get familiar with it. Know how your child’s school will contact you and make sure the contact information they have on file is up to date. Know what relocation sites have been preidentified by the school in the case of an evacuation. If your child rides the bus, know what alternative routes they might take and where the new drop of location(s) will be in the event of an emergency.

Have a family discussion to determine who would be your point of contact during an emergency. It’s always a good idea to pick one primary emergency contact that lives locally and another that lives out of town. Unless you are in danger, send a text. Texts may have an easier time getting through than phone calls, and you don’t want to tie up phone lines needed by emergency workers. Knowing where to go and how to get there is also essential. Decide on safe, familiar, accessible places where your family can go for safety or to reunite. If you have pets or animals, think about animal-friendly locations. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, and outside of your city to you’re prepared for any situation.

Practice, practice, practice! Write down your contacts and plans. Make sure everyone in the family has copies and keeps them in a safe space, like in a backpack or wallet. Your family’s needs change over time, so regularly meet to review, practice, and update your plan.

Keep emergency contact information up to date.

Revisit your child’s emergency contact list every school year and make sure the contact information your child’s school has on file is accurate. Practice with your child to help them memorize emergency contacts, important phone numbers (like 911), and addresses. Remember, schools might not always be able to access the student’s emergency contacts in some situations. You can also make a backpack emergency contact card for your child, so they always have the information on hand when at school. And don’t forget that ICE (in case of emergency) contacts should be saved on all the family cell phones. Entries should start with ICE and then have the name of the contact.

Make sure your child is up to date on their immunizations.

Start the school year off right by making sure your child is up to date on all their recommended immunizations. Immunizations help keep your child healthy and protects those around them, too. Skagit County Public Health offers the immunizations required for children entering school, childcare, and other learning programs, in addition to influenza and COVID-19. There is no cost, and no insurance is required. For assistance scheduling an appointment, please call (360) 416-1500 or visit www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/main.htm.

Resources:

Tips and Tricks for BBQing Safely From a Foodie Who Works at Skagit County Public Health

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As a foodie working at the health department, you’ve got the best of both worlds—appreciating delicious food and promoting food safety. Here are some light-hearted tips tailored for a foodie like yourself:

Cleanliness: Remember, the only thing you want to spread at your BBQ is laughter, not bacteria. So, wash those hands and keep your kitchen or prep space sparkling clean that even Gordon Ramsay would appreciate.

Marinating: Treat your marinade like a VIP guest. Give it a luxurious stay in the fridge, away from the heat. After working its magic in the fridge, it’ll be ready to transform ordinary ingredients into taste sensations that would make any proteins wanna take a dip. Make sure you discard the marinade the meat was in or cook it on the stove and magically turn it into a sauce as the perfect accompaniment!

Thawing: Forget about thawing meat on the counter; that’s no place to vacation. Stick to the refrigerator or the microwave’s defrost setting, no passports required!

Storage: Keep your raw meats in their own VIP section of the fridge, far away from the ready-to-eat foods. They might get jealous. If so, remind them nobody wants food drama.

Cooking temperature: Get a food thermometer, your BBQ’s friendly sidekick. Use that trusty gadget to make sure your meat is hotter than a summer day but not so hot that it becomes a charcoal briquette.

Grill safety: Keep safety center stage while you orchestrate a symphony of sizzling flavors as the BBQ maestro. Don’t forget to keep your grill away from anything that can go up in flames faster than a firework. Safety first, fun second!

Serving: Keep your gloves handy for plating and handling foods that are ready-to-eat or finished cooking. Food should be a lovely display, but most importantly safely handled. Also, keep those perishables cool and those hot dishes hot.

Leftovers: As a foodie, you know the importance of savoring every morsel. If there are any leftovers (which is doubtful), make sure you give them a proper cool down in the fridge so you can transform them into culinary masterpieces and continue enjoying them the next day.

Need some inspiration for your next BBQ? Try this super simple watermelon salad!

1 brick of feta cheese, crumbled
salt and pepper
drizzle of olive oil
drizzle of balsamic reduction

Toss watermelon and feta, then dress with olive oil and salt and pepper. Dish it up on a platter and finish with a drizzle balsamic reduction. Serve chilled and enjoy the compliments!

Remember, food safety is important, but it doesn’t have to be boring. So, grill on, have a blast, and let the good times and delicious food roll at your summer BBQs! For more helpful information on food safety and handling, visit the CDC’s food safety page or Skagit County Public Health’s website.

Monkeypox – What You Need to Know

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You’ve probably heard about the monkeypox in the news and might be wondering about it, worried, or want more information.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of monkeypox in Skagit County. However, as of July 26, 2022, 101 people in Washington State have tested positive for orthopoxvirus, likely to be monkeypox.

While new information continues to come in, here are answers to several common questions including information about how it is spread, who is at risk, signs and symptoms, and what to do if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed.

What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral disease that can cause rashes and other symptoms. It does not commonly occur in the U.S., but there is currently an outbreak of monkeypox with cases spreading in Washington state and across the country, as well as in many other countries. Many of the current cases are occurring in men who have sex with men, although monkeypox can spread person-to-person with any kind of close, skin-to-skin contact.

How is it spread?
Monkeypox spreads in different ways but requires close interaction with a symptomatic individual. The virus can be transmitted from person-to-person through:

  • Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids
  • Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
  • Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
  • Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

It is also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

Who is at risk?
At this time, the risk of monkeypox in the United States is fairly low, however, anyone in close contact with a person with monkeypox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves.

What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms of monkey pox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.

What should you do if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed?
CDC recommends that anyone who has symptoms of monkeypox isolate themselves from others and immediately contact their healthcare provider, even if they have not had contact with someone who has monkeypox. Additional recommendations to prevent the spread of infection include:

  • Isolate yourself from other people and from animals
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, sleep, or have sex with others
  • Wear a well-fitting medical mask around others
  • Do not share bedding, towels, dishes, or utensils
  • Wash your own laundry and dishes
  • Routinely clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and items
  • Do not use commercial travel (airplane, bus, taxi, shared car)

For more information about monkeypox, please visit Monkeypox | Washington State Department of Health. If you have symptoms of monkeypox or think you may have been exposed, contact your health care provider or Skagit County Public Health at (360) 416-1500.

Sources:

Monkeypox | Washington State Department of Health

Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC

Graphics | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC

Firework Safety Tips for Fourth of July

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Fourth of July is just around the corner and already next week which means fireworks and family fun! Although fireworks are fun, they can be very dangerous causing fires and deadly injuries. According to the National Safety Council, due to fireworks an average of 18,500 fires happen each year and about 200 people in the month of July go the emergency room everyday due to firework- related injuries. These injuries range from head, face, ear, arm, leg, hand, or finger and 34% occur to people between ages 24-44. Although, children aged 5-9 are more than twice as likely as other age groups to be injured by fireworks.

To keep yourself, friends and loved ones safe this holiday continue reading for some firework safety tips.

Tips to Celebrate Safely

  • Make sure to purchase legal fireworks from your area and labeled for consumer use.
  • Never leave young children alone with fireworks or to handle on their own, this includes sparklers.
  • Safer options for children are glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
  • Always keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, in case of a fire.
  • Never light them indoors.
  • Do not use fireworks while being impaired by drugs or on alcohol.
  • If using fireworks or nearby, consider using protective eye wear.
  • Light fireworks one at a time and make sure to move as quickly as possible after lighting.
  • Do not relight or use a malfunctioning firework. To discard, soak them in water and throw them away.
  • Never point or throw fireworks including sparklers towards no one.  

For more resources visit:

Fireworks | CPSC.gov

Fireworks Safety Tips – National Safety Council (nsc.org)

Summer fire safety outreach materials (fema.gov)

Are you Wildfire Smoke ready!

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Yesterday was officially the first day of summer! This means nice warm weather, but also possible wildfires. Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands, or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and devastate not only wildlife and natural areas, but also communities.

Wildfire smoke is a major threat to public health. Smoke from wildfires can cause wheezing, coughing, heart and lung disease, and even death. Wildfire smoke is also the largest source of particle pollution in Washington.

Here are some ways that you and your family can prepare for and stay safe during a wildfire. Below you will also find information about what to do following the aftermath of a wildfire in your community.

Prepare for Wildfires

  • Have several ways to receive alerts so you don’t miss anything important. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert. Also sign up for CodeRED or download the FEMA app and receive alerts from the National Weather Service.
  • Look out for air quality alerts. To check your air quality visit AirNow.gov
  • Make an emergency plan. Make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if you need to evacuate quickly.
  • Know your evacuation zone.
  • Have a communications plan, and make sure everyone in your household knows it.
  • Have an emergency go bag ready for you, household members and pets. For a checklist visit Build A Kit | Ready.gov
  • Review important documents. Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents  are up to date. Create copies and keep them in your go bag!

Stay Safe During a Wildfire

  • Evacuate as soon as authorities tell you to.
  • Pay attention to emergency alerts for information.
  • Call 911 if you’re trapped and give your location.
  • Use an N95 mask to protect you from smoke inhalation.

Returning Home After a Wildfire

  • Do not return home until authorities say it is safe to do so.
  • Look out for hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers.
  • Wear protective clothing when doing any cleaning.
  • Document property damage with photographs.
  • Reach out to family to check if they are OK or to let them know you are.

Helpful Resources:

The Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) offers resources on how to protect yourself and others during wildfire smoke events. See their website’s Wildfire Smoke Information page: https://bit.ly/3wgdcEM. For NWCAA monitors and related air quality information: https://bit.ly/3lXahMq.

For information on low-cost air sensors and a map showing local sensors: https://bit.ly/3iWcwxM.

Wildfires | Ready.gov

May 2 2022: Wildfires and Smoke | AirNow.gov

Wildfire smoke – Washington State Department of Ecology

Smoke From Wildfires – Toolkit | Washington State Department of Health

Avian Influenza Detected in Skagit County

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June 14, 2022

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that a red-tailed hawk collected from Skagit County on May 11, 2022, has tested positive for HPAI H5N1, a strain of avian influenza or “Bird Flu.” At this time, we can assume that Avian Influenza is actively circulating in Skagit County, similar to much of Washington State.

Avian influenza viruses, such as the H5N1 strain, are extremely contagious among certain domesticated bird species, and can sicken and kill chickens, pheasants, and turkeys, among other domestic fowl. The virus is often spread to domestic birds through interactions with wild birds.

DOH and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are asking the public to avoid contact with wild birds, especially sick or dead wild birds or their young. State officials are asking people to report any sick or dead wild or domestic birds using the following resources:

While avian influenza infections among people are rare, human infections can happen when the virus gets into an individual’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled. People may be at greater risk of bird flu virus infection during close or lengthy unprotected contact (not wearing respiratory protection or eye protection) with infected birds or contaminated surfaces.

Please note that chicken, eggs and other poultry and poultry products are safe to eat when properly handled and cooked.

If an individual develops flu-like symptoms within 10 days of contact with an ill or dead wild bird, they should contact their healthcare provider, as well as Skagit County Public Health at (360) 416-1500.

For more information, as well as safety tips, please visit DOH’s Avian Influenza webpage at https://doh.wa.gov/avian-influenza or call 1-800-525-0127.

10 Tips on how to keep your home cool this summer!

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In the summer, we all know how uncomfortable a hot home can be. With summer being right around the corner, it is a good idea to prepare your home for the heat. Continue reading for 10 ways to keep your home cool this summer.

Tips

  1. Switch to LED light bulbs. LED bulbs produce less heat and use up to 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs, saving you money at the same time.
  2. Use ceiling, portable desk, and floor fans to circulate air, making your home feel cooler.
  3. Light bulbs give off heat when they’re being used. Add light dimmers and occupancy sensors so your light bulbs turn off when you’re not in the room.
  4. Block the sun’s heat from your home by installing solar screens, window tinting, or shutters.
  5. Buy an air conditioner ahead of time. If you buy a window AC unit, make sure to insulate around it.
  6. Plant trees and bushes outside your home to create shade.
  7. Reduce the use of appliances, and unplug the ones you are not using.
  8. Minimalize your kitchen use throughout the day. A helpful tip is to meal prep in the morning or night when temperatures are cooler.
  9. Wet your patio floor. Evaporation naturally cools the air.
  10. Weather strip doors and windows to keep outside heat from coming in, and keep your cool air from your AC from seeping out.
https://blog.constellation.com/2020/06/25/how-to-keep-your-house-cool-without-raising-your-energy-bill/

Helpful resources:

Home Cooling | Department of Energy

Heat Safety Tips and Resources (weather.gov)

Are you prepared for this summer’s heat?

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Summer is right around the corner which means sunshine and heat! While Pacific Northwesterners anxiously await these warmer months, we also need to be conscious of potential risks associated with extreme heat. For those who may be heat sensitive or who do not have adequate access to cooling systems or water, extreme temperatures can be life threatening. And with extreme heat events predicted to now be more common due to our changing climate, it is a good time to look at ways to prepare.

As you may recall, last summer we experienced a record-breaking heat wave that lasted 7 days—from June 26th to July 2nd. According to the Washington State Department of Health, there were 100 heat related deaths reported throughout the state. In Skagit County, we sadly lost 6 individuals to heat related complications during this time.

It is crucial that during these times we are ready and prepared. Being ready can help to prevent heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and—most importantly—death. Do you know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond? Keep reading for some helpful information.

Prepare for Extreme Heat

  • Weather strip doors and windows.
  • Cover windows with drapes or shades.
  • Have at least 2 fans to create air flow in home. Remember fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort but will not reduce your body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
  • Install a window air conditioner and insulate around it.
  • Add insulation to keep the heat out.
  • Know of cooling places like stores or libraries near you! Contact Skagit County Public Health to find a cooling shelter near you—(360) 416-1500.

Be Safe During

  • Stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids.
  • Take cold showers or baths.
  • Go to a cooling center if air conditioning is not available in your home.
  • Never leave people or pets in a closed vehicle on a hot or warm day.
  • Wear loose, light colored clothing, and lightweight clothes.
  • Use your oven less to help reduce heat in your home.
  • Avoid being outside.
  • Check in with family members to let them know you’re okay or to check if they’re okay. As well with neighbors, and friends.
  • Consider pet safety.
  • Watch for signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

What is heat illness?

Some common heat illnesses are heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Here are some signs to look out for.

Signs of Heat Stroke:

If you suspect a heat stroke, immediately call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital as soon as possible.

  • Rapid, strong pulse.
  • Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat.
  • Dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness.
  • Extremely high body temperature.

Signs Heat Cramps:

  • Muscle pains.
  • Spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Paleness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Fast or weak pulse
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fainting
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to the closest cooling center/location near you. Try to cool down by removing excess clothing and drink water or sports drinks. Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Helpful Resources:

Extreme Heat | Ready.gov

Summer Safety (weather.gov)

Heat Wave 2021 | Washington State Department of Health