Residents urged to seek medical help for serious heat-related symptoms
City continues to assist residents during record heat
SEATTLE -As a record heat wave continues, the city urges residents to take steps to stay cool and seek medical assistance for anyone experiencing serious heat-related symptoms. The King County Medical Examiners Office reported today the first heat-related death - a Seattle man in his 60s who had heart disease with heat contributing to his death.
As a community, we can help each other through this heat wave by checking in with our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable and seniors living alone, said Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.
The elderly and people with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to high temperatures. If you or someone else shows signs of overheating, move to a cooler location, rest and drink a cool beverage. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness,
headache, nausea and vomiting.
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms dont improve within a few minutes. In severe instances, people can suffer heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability. Symptoms of heat stroke include, a high body temperature (above 103 degrees); red and hot skin; rapid, strong pulse; nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.
The Human Services Department is contacting senior citizens who are part of the city's case management program to assist them in staying cool. The Seattle Housing Authority is monitoring the welfare of tenants. The Office of Housing is working with building managers of low-income and senior apartments to check on residents.
Seattle police officers are checking on the welfare of vulnerable people, including the homeless, and are providing water and information on city facilities where people can escape the heat. Patrol officers will make routine checks of parks and other public areas through Friday.
Seattle Center
At Seattle Center, the International and Dupen fountains are operating under extended hours, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., through Friday for the public to cool down from the high temperatures. Center House is air conditioned and open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily.
Pools and beaches
Seattle Parks and Recreation will continue to extend swimming beach and wading pool hours through Friday. Swimming beaches usually close at 7 p.m.; they will stay open until 8 p.m. For more information on wading pool hours, visit www.seattle.gov/parks. A temporary burn restriction continues at Golden Gardens and Alki beaches through Sunday, Aug. 2. Visitors can still use
barbecue grills to cook.
Public Libraries
The Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., and 16 library branches have air conditioning and are open until 8 p.m. today. The following branches without air conditioning will close at 4 p.m. today: Greenlake, Columbia, Northeast, Fremont, University, Queen Anne and West Seattle. The Southwest branch, which does not have air conditioning on the main level, will stay open until 8 p.m. For information about library branches, services and activities, visit www.spl.org or (206) 386-4636.
Utilities
Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities have suspended service disconnections for the duration of the heat wave. Service will not be cut off to customers for failure to pay their utility bills. City Light urges those using portable air conditioners to check the amperage on the unit and the outlet, as overloading the outlet could create a fire hazard.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning in effect until 6 p.m., Friday, July 31. Public Health - Seattle & King County offers hot weather safety tips at: www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat.
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