CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

Stay Cool

Identify places in your community where you can stay cool during extreme heat.

If your home does not have air conditioning, the Community Center, Senior Activity Center, libraries, movie theaters, and indoor shopping centers are all good places to beat the heat.

Water Safety

Cooling off in a river, lake, or pool can be a fun way to beat the heat, but drowning and cold water shock can still be concerns.

• Use a personal flotation device on the water. King County offers programs to help provide low-cost life jackets.
• Check river conditions and hazards before recreating in a river.
• Swim at a location with a life guard, such as the Henry Moses Aquatic Center, Gene Coulon Park, or Kennydale Beach Park.

Heat Related Illness

When the body can't cool itself down quickly enough, it can lead to heat exhaustion and eventually heat stroke, which can be deadly if not treated. 

Heat Cramps

• SIGNS: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.
• WHAT TO DO: Cool down the body by moving to a cooler location and removing excess clothing. Drink water or sports drinks. Seek medical help if cramps last more than one hour.

Heat Exhaustion

• SIGNS: Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, pale skin, nausea or vomiting, headache, dizziness, or passing out.
• WHAT TO DO: Go to a cool, air conditioned location and lie down. Take a cool bath or place cool cloths on the body. Loosen or remove clothing. Drink water or sports drinks. Seek medical help if symptoms last for more than one hour.

Heat Stroke

• SIGNS: No sweating, extremely high body temperature (above 103°F), red, hot and dry skin, nausea or vomiting, or passing out.
• WHAT TO DO: Call 9-1-1 immediately. Cool the body down with any method available until help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Click here for more information about heat related illness.

Stay Cool

• Spend time in air conditioned places.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine, and large amount of sugar.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
• Dress in lightweight clothing.
• Take a cool shower or bath, or place cool, damp washcloths or clothing on the skin.
• Check in on loved ones and neighbors that might be more susceptible to the heat, including the elderly and people with chronic or mental illnesses.

Stay Safe Outside

• Try to limit the time spent in direct sunlight.
• Never leave pets, small children, or people with mobility challenges in a parked car, even with the windows open.
• Try to do outdoor activities in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day.
• Wear hats and lightweight clothing that covers the skin. Wear sunscreen on any exposed skin.

Extreme heat preparedness information from ready.gov
General heat preparedness information

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness
Symptoms of heat-related illness and what to do to help someone experiencing those symptoms

Water Safety
King County specific water safety information, including river hazards, affordable life jackets, pool and spa safety, and general preparedness information.

Beat the Heat
Extreme heat preparedness information from King County. Information available in multiple languages.