Feeling the heat in Thurston County? Here are some places to cool down
Thurston County’s Department of Public Health and Social Services will open an emergency cooling center at Sergio’s Place on 3444 Martin Way from 1-8 p.m. today through Thursday as temperatures soar into the mid 90s.
The decision comes as the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning in southern Thurston County from 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday. The red flag warning projects dry conditions that can contribute to active fire conditions.
All of Thurston County also is under an excessive heat warning through 11 p.m. Tuesday. Weather will pose major risks for heat-related illness.
Renae Miller, public information specialist for Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, said people should prepare for the heat by wearing loose and light clothing, drinking lots of water and avoiding alcoholic beverages.
“Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating and weakness,” Miller said. “We suggest if you feel any of these signs to move to a cooling center.”
Those experiencing heat-related confusion, nausea, disorientation or other altered behavior should seek emergency medical health, she added.
Where to cool down
Miller said people should seek out public areas with air conditioning, including malls and libraries.
The county’s cooling center at Sergio’s Place, which is an Interfaith Works homeless resource center, will operate during the hottest part of the day, providing water, sports drinks and resources such as sunscreen and aloe. Pets are welcome.
Partners in Prevention also will provide survival supplies to those living in encampments.
Union Gospel Mission in downtown Olympia will be open to single adults for hazardous weather sheltering. For youth ages 18-24, Community Youth Services will be a resource. Families looking to beat the heat can go to the Family Support Center at Suite 200 on 3545 Seventh Ave. SE.
Donations of water, sports drinks, sunscreen, aloe and snacks will be accepted at 3501 Mary Elder Road NE between 1 and 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.
For more information on shelters, call the Thurston County Shelter Hotline at 1-844-628-7343.
This story was originally published August 14, 2023 at 11:05 AM.
