Editor’s note: The following is a release from the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority

Tips on beating the heat

The National Weather Service has forecast temperatures between the mid-seventies and mid-eighties for the rest of this week. These weather conditions can create problems for anyone, especially the elderly, the young, and the unprepared.

Stay cool:

Stay indoors – especially if you are sensitive to the sun and heat. Consider visiting a mall, theatre, or other air-conditioned location.

Shut the blinds or drapes on any windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.

Dress in lightweight clothing.

Check on elderly family members and acquaintances frequently.

When outdoors:

Limit your exposure to direct sunlight.

Wear sunscreen on all exposed skin surfaces. Children are especially susceptible to burning.

Wear a hat.

Consider scheduling strenuous activities during the early morning or in the evening when it is cooler.

Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle – even for a short period of time.

Drink liquids:

Drink plenty of water or other noncaffeinated/nonalcoholic beverages.

Take bottled water if you plan on spending time outdoors. Bring extras for those who forget to plan ahead.

Water safety:

Always supervise children when near any body of water.

Wear a properly fitting, Coast Guard approved life jacket.

Swim at locations that have a lifeguard on duty.

River and lake water temperatures are still very low and can quickly sap your strength.

Always take a buddy and a cell phone when near the water.

Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and hyperthermia:

• Headache

• Muscle cramping

• Profuse sweating

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fainting

If you or someone with you exhibits some or all of these symptoms, get to a cool place and call 911 if needed.

More tips in English, Spanish, Chinese Vietnamese, Russian, and Korean are available on the Beat the Heat webpage at www.kingcounty.gov/health/beattheheat.aspx.

Heat is a danger to young kids

Warm weather brings potential dangers, especially for the young. Hyperthermia, or a much higher than normal core body temperature, is often the result of children being left in vehicles, unattended.

According to San Francisco State University, 44 children died of hyperthermia in 2013 after being left alone in a vehicle on a warm day. Not surprisingly, the months of June, July, August and September are when the majority of these tragedies took place.

Over half of children who die after being left in a vehicle are under the age of two and 95 percent are under the age of five. These young children are dependent for their safety on adults making good choices.

Myth: There only is a danger to kids on very hot days.

Truth: On a 72 degree day the internal temperature in a vehicle can rise 35-40 degrees in approximately one hour when the windows are rolled up due to solar radiation.

Myth: Cracking the window slightly will keep children cool.

Truth: Studies have shown that leaving windows slightly open has little effect on the temperature inside a vehicle since solar radiation is primarily heating the objects in the vehicle, not the air.

Myth: Children can handle extremes in temperature.

Truth: Young children do not have the internal temperature regulating mechanism that adults have. Also, children dehydrate more quickly than adults.

Myth: It is legal to leave a child unattended in a parked vehicle for a short period of time in Washington State.

Truth: RCW 46.61.685 and RCW 9.91.060 strictly prohibit leaving children unattended in vehicles.

What can people do to help avoid this tragedy? Here are some tips:

1. Any time you leave your vehicle, take all children with you. It will slow you down, it will create more work, but it may save a child’s life and it is the law.

2. If you need a reminder about children in the back seat, place your briefcase or purse next to the child. Another “trick” is to leave the diaper bag on the front seat as a reminder. These types of reminders are especially important if you do not regularly carry children in your vehicle.

3. Get into the habit of “looking before you leave”. As you exit your vehicle scan the interior to look for children or other things that need your attention.

4. Place electronic “reminders” to yourself on your PDA, smart phone, or email calendar to check on your child.

5. If your spouse or other adult is carrying a child and does not normally do so, call them to ensure that the child has been removed from the vehicle.

6. Ensure that daycares and schools notify you promptly if your child does not show up as scheduled.

7. If you are concerned about a child you see alone in a vehicle, call 9-1-1.