Weather

Clouds

HOT WEATHER & AIR QUALITY

  1. Cooling Stations
  2. Tips for Hot Weather
  3. Signs of Heat Illness 

COOLING Centers

Find cooling centers typically open in Snohomish County available for the public to have a safe place to cool off when the temperatures rise. 

If you have air conditioning to keep your home cool and know a friend, family member or neighbor who does not, consider extending an invitation during the hottest stretch of the day (typically 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) during extreme heat.

If you know someone who is vulnerable to heat and may be unable to keep cool, be sure to check in on them. If you are someone at risk of heat-related illness, make a plan to stay cool and reach out for help if you need it.

Air Quality

Extreme heat isn't the only reason people may need to get inside during the summer. Wildfire smoke - which can come from local fires or from other states or countries - may cause the air quality to become unhealthy. Breathing smoky air is bad even for otherwise healthy individuals, but it's especially dangerous for: people with existing lung or heart problems, infants and young children, pregnant women, older adults (over 65), or people with a history of heart attack or stroke.

Smoke exposure can cause:

  • Eye, throat or nose irritation
  • Wheezing and coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Worsening or triggering of existing lung or heart conditions.

Keep up to date on air quality and what level of activity is safe in current conditions by visiting the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency website.

Flooding and storms

FLOODING

It is important to follow proper health and safety precautions when returning home or cleaning up after a flood. Food and water could be contaminated, electrical appliances are hazardous, and furniture, clothing and other items will need to be cleaned and dried thoroughly.

  • Do not drink water from a private system that has been flooded. Treat water or bring it to a full rolling boil for at least 1 minute before using. Water for brushing teeth or washing dishes or food also should be boiled or treated.
  • Discard food that has contacted floodwater and does not have an airtight seal. Cans should be rinsed in a diluted bleach solution before opening.
  • Do not attempt to use electricity until the building's electrical system has been checked by a qualified professional.

For more tips and resources, please review our Cleaning Up After a Flood (PDF) guide.

POWER OUTAGES

Power outages can cause a number of safety concerns; knowing the following information can help.

  1. Before a Power Outage
  2. During a Power Outage
  3. Keep Food Safe
  • Consider buying a generator. When installing a generator, follow the instructions carefully. Keep your generator outside and run a cord inside. Don't connect your generator to main service panels—it's dangerous! Be sure to place a carbon monoxide detector indoors.
  • Have a safe alternative heat source and supply of fuel. Never burn charcoal or use a generator indoors.
  • If you own an electric garage door opener, know how to open the door without power.
  • Make sure your disaster preparedness kit contains light sticks, flashlights, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries and a wind-up clock.
  • Register life-sustaining and medical equipment with your utility company.
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