Weather forecasts are predicting temperatures nearing 90 degrees Fahrenheit over the next several days. The City of Tacoma is encouraging residents to prepare for the heat.
Excessive heat can be dangerous to all people, and older adults, people with health concerns, and children are at a greater risk.
“There are things everyone can do now to be ready for excessive heat,” said Shontieka Adeogun, City of Tacoma Emergency Manager. “Think about wearing light-colored clothing and lighter layers, start hydrating now, have electrolytes on hand, and know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Symptoms to watch for from the CDC include cold, pale and clammy skin, heavy sweating, fainting or passing out, dizziness, fatigue, fast or weak pulse, tiredness or weakness, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, and headache.
If a person has these symptoms, they should cease activity, move to a cooler location and seek medical attention. Elders and children are the most susceptible, so checking on elderly neighbors and keeping children out of the sun is important.
The City is partnering with Catholic Community Services (CCS) to provide individuals who are experiencing homelessness with both daytime and nighttime heat relief.
For daytime heat relief, the Nativity House, located at 702 S. 14th St., will be open for individuals to find a place to cool down from the heat from 7 AM to 5 PM every day. CCS is also expected to open additional capacity at the Nativity House for individuals who need nighttime relief from the sustained warmer temperatures as well on days that reach 90 degrees and above during the day and sustained warm temperatures overnight at 70 degrees or above.
“We are thankful for our partners who are willing to expand services during weather events and their continued work to support people who are experiencing homelessness,” said Allyson Griffith, Director of Neighborhood and Community Services at the City of Tacoma.”
The City will also continue to support the library system with water on inclement weather days. All Tacoma Public Library locations will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day and will be operating at normal business hours for the remainder of the week. Visit tacomalibrary.org for hours and locations.
Additionally, the City is coordinating with homeless shelter providers, outreach teams, and volunteers to ensure they have adequate supplies.
For more information, visit cityoftacoma.org/inclementresources.
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