Only Arizona has higher chance than Tri-Cities of being hotter than usual this summer
As hotter than usual weather is predicted for the Tri-Cities this summer, the Benton Franklin Health District is making sure that residents have a cool place to escape the heat.
It has compiled a list of public indoor places and is asking other businesses or organizations willing to serve as a temporary cooling center to email Sierra Knutson, the district’s planning and preparedness manager, at sierrak@bfhd.wa.gov.
The National Weather Service predicts a 50% to 60% percent chance that temperatures will be hotter than usual in the Tri-Cities this month through September. Only Arizona has a greater chance.
July is typically the hottest month of the year for the Tri-Cities, with a normal mean high temperature of 92.5 degrees and a low of nearly 57.
This year the temperature hit 100 for the first time June 30 and temperatures of 100 or 101 were forecast Thursday, Friday and Sunday this week.
“The temporary cooling centers are safety nets that are valuable in preventing heat-related complications like heat stroke, heat exhaustion and even death,” said Dr. Larry Jecha, interim health officer for Benton and Franklin counties. “This is a community problem, and everyone should be aware of the people around you.”
He urged residents to check on seniors or other vulnerable people on hot summer days.
Last summer, a former U.S. Marine in his 30s died after a ninth day of temperatures of at least 100 in the Tri-Cities.
The summer before four people died due to record-breaking heat were reported, including elderly people without air conditioning, said health officials.
The Benton Franklin Health District is working with 211 to make sure a full list of cooling centers available for people who call the help line number.
Tri-Cities area cooling centers
Cooling centers, which are primarily open during business hours, include:
▪ Pasco — Mid-Columbia Libraries at 1320 W. Hopkins St. and 7525 Wrigley Drive, plus the Martin Luther King Center at 205 S. Wehe Ave.
▪ Kennewick — Mid-Columbia Libraries at Keewaydin Park, 405 S. Dayton St., and Columbia Center mall.
▪ Richland — Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive; Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive, and Richland City Hall at 625 Swift Blvd.
▪ West Richland — Mid-Columbia Libraries, 3803 W. Van Giesen St.
▪ Prosser — Becky’s Coffee Corner, 1120 Meade Ave.; Renz Farmers Insurance Agency, 1108 Meade Ave., and Mid-Columbia Libraries, 902 Seventh St.
▪ Benton City — Mid-Columbia Libraries, 810 Horne Drive.
Heat illness symptoms
Although electric fans can provide comfort, they will not prevent heat-related illnesses when temperatures reach the high 90s and 100s, according to the Benton Franklin Health District.
It recommends people without air-conditioning go to a cooling center or take a cool shower or bath.
People should drink more fluids, and if they are sweating heavily a sports drink can replace salt and minerals lost. However, they may not be appropriate for people with diabetes, high blood pressure or certain other chronic conditions.
Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs may be an initial sign of a heat-related illness. Medical help is needed if cramps last more than an hour.
Heat exhaustion also is possible with heavy sweating, paleness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, or fainting. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour, says the health district.
For heat stroke, call 911 or go to a hospital immediately.
Symptoms include a high body temperature; red, hot and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion or unconsciousness.
