Heat Advisory Issued for our Region

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for parts of our region through 10 p.m. tonight with temperatures reaching the mid-80's to 90's in some areas. 

Because their bodies process heat differently than adults, children are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. They may not be able to know when they are feeling the effects of high heat, so they rely on adults to keep them safe. 

Please take the weather conditions into consideration 

when planning your child care day. 

Here are some tips:

• Plan outdoor time earlier or later in the day when the temperature may be cooler and the sun's rays not as strong. Take frequent breaks in the shade or in a cool, indoor space. Use wet paper towels or rags at the neck to help cool off.

• Stay hydrated. Make sure children have plenty of water to drink throughout the day. 

• Prevent sunburn by making sure to use sunscreen (with signed parent permission), wearing hats and sunglasses, and providing shaded areas to play.

• Keep your space cool. Close curtains or blinds on windows that receive direct sunlight to help keep indoor spaces cool. Avoid using the stove and oven if possible.

• Don't rely on fans as your only cooling source on very hot days. When temperatures reach the high 90's, fans will not prevent heat-related illnesses.

• Watch for symptoms of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps). If you notice these signs, act immediately. Move yourself or the child to a cooler location to rest for a few minutes and seek medical attention right away if symptoms do not improve.

For more hot weather tips, see our "Keeping Cool in Hot Weather" document. Consider posting or electronically sharing this information with families. 

The federal government has developed a comprehensive heat website - www.heat.gov. Check out the resources available. One resource is an an online tool where you can enter your zip code and it will provide you with an estimated heat risk.

Here are a few additional resources you may find helpful:

• Snohomish County Extreme Heat and Cooling Centers webpage
• Cooling Indoor Spaces without Air Conditioning - Washington State Department of Health
• Washington State Department of Health Hot Weather Resources
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illness
• CDC - Heat and Infants and Children 
• American Academy of Pediatrics Heat Resources
• Child Care Weather Watch Chart - To use relative humidity and temperature to determine when it is too hot for children to be outside (see below)