Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event
Residents in Southwest Washington are on track to break high temperature records over the next couple of days. This creates a health risk for vulnerable populations and should be taken seriously.
Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event. In addition to that, the climate crisis is making extreme heat events more frequent, more severe, and last longer.
The American Red Cross recommends taking four steps to stay safe in extreme heat:
- Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks, and avoid the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle alone.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade.
- Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public library, shopping mall or public cooling center. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.
- Organize supplies in a Go Kit or Stay-at-Home Kit. In the event of a power outage, have supplies including batteries and chargers for your devices like flashlights, cell phones, CPAP machines, wheelchairs, etc. Have fresh water, nonperishable foods, and medications on hand.
Learn more extreme weather tips HERE.
Red Cross Emergency App HERE
The all-inclusive Emergency App combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe including information about what to do in case of floods, thunderstorms, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires and more. The emergency alerts are available for the user’s location and to monitor where friends and family live. A single map provides open Red Cross shelter locations and weather information. Download HERE
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, including 65 hospitals in the Northwest; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit www.redcross.org or www.CruzRojaAmericana.org or follow on social media.
Also read:
- Opinion: Let’s make Washington state affordable for everyone
Rep. David Stuebe criticizes state lawmakers’ spending increases and calls for tax relief, budget reforms, and restored funding for essential services across Washington. - Winners, losers and takeaways from WA’s legislative session
Funding reductions affect Transition to Kindergarten and Running Start, while free school lunches are set for 2029 using new income tax revenue. - ‘An upward trajectory’: Petroleum expert on Iran conflict’s impact on gas prices
Drivers in Washington are facing steeper costs at the pump due to supply disruptions, increased taxes, and a closed oil shipping route, which together raise expenses for businesses and consumers. - Opinion: Legislature agrees to increased spending in Supplemental Budget
Washington lawmakers approved an $80.2 billion supplemental budget, banking on an income tax that is uncertain to withstand legal and electoral tests despite increasing spending beyond revenue projections. - Letter: ‘Only Florida has a more regressive tax structure than Washington’
Washington households earning the least pay 13.8% in taxes, while the wealthiest 1% pay only 4.1%, according to Camas resident Anthony Teso’s letter. - Battle Ground Citizen of the Year for 2025 announced & celebration planned
Johanna Hyatt has helped lead fundraising events, library initiatives, and aid for multiple local nonprofits during over a decade of community service in Battle Ground. - Clark College State of the College Address highlights achievements, challenges and regional impact
Clark College’s annual address showcased student achievements, rising enrollment, robust scholarships, and workforce-driven academic programs influencing the regional economy in Southwest Washington.
