Excessive heat warning spurs city, county to offer relief in facilities

July 27, 2009 5:13 pm

An Excessive Heat Warning and Air Stagnation Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service. In response, King County has joined Bellevue in offering tips and providing shelter from the high heat expected to continue this week.

AccuWeather predicts Bellevue temperatures of 93 today and 90 on Tuesday with temperatures on drifting down into the 80s later in the week.

An Excessive Heat Warning means that a period of dangerously hot temperatures is expected which can lead to heat related illnesses. Anyone can be overcome by extreme heat, but some people are at higher risk than others. They include the elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases.

Signs and symptoms of heat related illness may vary but can include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability unless treated immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is urging people to take precautions and monitor themselves and others for signs and symptoms of heat related illness and call for medical aid as necessary.

The agency advises drinking plenty of fluids and stay in air-conditioned buildings such as public libraries and community centers, malls and movie theaters. Officials also advise checking on relatives and neighbors, particularly those with health issues. Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down, officials say.

In Bellevue, residents can find refuge from the heat in Bellevue’s air-conditioned community centers. Drop-in visitors are welcome. Also, six beach parks offer swimming in Lake Washington.

Community Centers

• North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave. N.E. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Crossroads Community Center, 16000 N.E. 10th Street. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Highland Community Center, 14224 Bel-Red Road. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 S.E. Newport Way. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Northwest Arts Center, 9825 N.E. Fourth Street. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Beach Parks:

• Chesterfield Beach Park, 2501 100th Ave. S.E.

• Chism Beach Park, 1175 96th Ave. S.E.

• Clyde Beach Park, 2 92nd Ave. N.E.

• Enatai Beach Park, 3519 108th Ave. S.E.

• Meydenbauer Beach Park, 419 98th Ave. N.E.

• Newcastle Beach Park, 4400 Lake Washington Blvd. S.E.

King County notes that libraries, including those in Bellevue, can provide relief during their operating hours.