It’s important to protect yourself from heat illness! Heat can kill. In the Pacific NW we are not used to extreme heat, yet we are becoming increasingly more vulnerable. TCAT is offering free presentations to community groups that include information on:
- Causes of rising temperatures
- Preventing heat illness
- Identifying the symptoms of heat illness
- Steps to take if you get heat illness
To schedule a free presentation for your group please contact Janet Nazy at or call (360) 324-5135.
Who is most at risk?
While anyone can get heat illness, so people are more susceptible than others. These people tend to be at the greatest risk:
- People 65 years and older
- Infants and young children
- People who live alone
- People of low income
- People of color
- People with disabilities or chronic conditions
- People taking certain medications
- Unhoused people
- Outdoor workers
Symptoms of Heat Illness
General symptoms -> nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting
People suffering heat illness should NOT be alone. If it's you - find someone to help!
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion -> cool - pale skin, heavy sweating, fast - weak pulse, weakness, muscle cramps
Heat exhaustion is serious. If you or someone near you experiences any of these symptoms:
- Seek a cool place to rest
- Hydrate
- Monitor the person or seek help
- Loosen clothing
- If condition worsens or person doesn't improve call 911
Symptoms of Heat Stroke - Heat stroke can be deadly!
Symptoms include -> confusion or headache, hot - red skin, sweating stops, fast - strong pulse, body temp 103+
- Call 911 immediately or get this person to a doctor
- While waiting for help move them to a cool place and lower body temperature in a bath or with ice packs
- Do not give them water to drink - can cause choking
- Monitor them closely till help arrives
Preventative Measures you can take:
- Monitor the weather – be aware of heat warnings. Use tools like this Nation Weather Service Heat Risk map: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/
- Stay hydrated – drink water or electrolyte drinks. Drinks with alcohol, sugar, and caffeine should be avoided because they dehydrate you.
- Use a buddy system! Check in with family, friends and neighbors and have them check on you. Remember, being alone is something that puts you at risk!
- Wear appropriate clothing: lightweight, loose-fitting, & light-colored
- Seek cool places – if your home doesn’t have cooling from a heat pump or air conditioner, find places that have cooling including: malls, libraries, and cooling centers. If you must be outside, stay in the shade.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day (between 2 and 6 pm) – reduce time in the heat or reschedule if you can. Limit strenuous activity.
- Pace yourself and take frequent breaks if you must be in the heat.
- Keep Cool at Home! Take a cool bath or shower, use a cool washcloth and fan, consider purchasing a portable heat pump or energy efficient air conditioner.
Resources and Information:
- National Weather Service HeatRisk Tool: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/
- gov: https://www.heat.gov/
- Thurston County: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/public-health-and-social-services/environmental-health/heat-safety
- Washington State: https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/be-prepared-be-safe/severe-weather-and-natural-disasters/extreme-heat
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/hcp/toolkits/
- OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/heat-illness
TCAT's Heat Illness brochure: If you would like copies, please contact Janet at (360) 324-5135, or email: .
