Several cooling centers open throughout the county | Update

POULSBO — The unusually hot weather affecting the region for the next few days can be dangerous for some residents, especially for the young, elderly and people with certain medical conditions. If you do not have air conditioning, consider visiting a mall, movie theater or other cool public place.

Here is a list of some of the locations you can go to escape the heat this week.

Bainbridge Island Library, 1270 Madison Ave. North: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 2; 1-5:30 p.m. Aug. 3; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 4.

The Arc of Kitsap & Jefferson Counties, 3243 Perry Ave., Bremerton: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 2-4.

Bremerton Library, 612 Fifth St., downtown: 1-8 p.m. Aug. 2; 1-5 p.m. Aug. 3; 1-6 p.m. Aug. 4.

Bremerton Library, 1301 Sylvan Way: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 2; 1-5 p.m. Aug. 3; 1-6 p.m. Aug. 4.

The Salvation Army, 832 Sixth St., Bremerton: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 2-4.

Village Green Community Center, 11212 Highway 104, Kingston: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 2; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 3; 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Aug. 4.

Little Boston Library, 31980 Little Boston Road NE: 1-8 p.m. Aug. 2; 1-5 p.m. Aug. 3; 1-6 p.m. Aug. 4.

Manchester Library, 8067 E Main St.: 1-8 p.m. Aug. 2; 1-5 p.m. Aug. 3; 1-5 p.m. Aug. 4.

Port Orchard Library, 87 Sidney Ave.: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 2; 1-6 p.m. Aug. 3; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4.

Port Orchard City Hall, 216 Prospect St.: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 2-4.

Poulsbo City Hall, 200 Moe St. NE: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 2; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 3.

Poulsbo Library, 700 NE Lincoln Road: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 2; 1-5 p.m. Aug. 3; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4.

Silverdale Library, 3450 NW Carlton St.: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 2; 1-5 p.m. Aug. 3; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4.

Kitsap Mall, 10315 Silverdale Way NW: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 2-4.

Silverdale United Methodist Church, 9982 Silverdale Way NW: noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 2-4.

Cherrie May, the Suquamish Tribe’s Emergency Management coordinator, said the main lobby of the Tribe’s adnistation offices is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day this week as a place to get cool.

“When it gets above 90 and when they start issuing heat warnings from the National Weather Service, we open our main Tribal Center on Suquamish Way for the Suquamish community,” she said. “This is for anyone who needs relief from the heat.”

May reminds people to stay safe, check on elders and neighbors, and keep pets out of the heat.

The City of Poulsbo opened the City Hall Council Chambers, 200 NE Moe St., as a cooling center earlier Aug. 1. Mayor Becky Erickson said bottled water will be provided and that dogs under 10 pounds are allowed, although the city reserves the right to not allow individual dogs based on behavior.

It’s recommended to use the following tips to stay safe during the extreme heat:

  • Remember to check up on relatives and neighbors during the heat wave. (Heart problems, stroke, and kidney failure are the most common health problems on hot days.)
  • Anyone who will be outside for extended periods of time should drink plenty of water, seek shade whenever possible, use sunscreen with a high SPF, and be alert to signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in a car. This is extremely hazardous and can very easily cause death.
  • Do not leave pets outside unattended during the day. Animals sweat by panting when they are extremely hot, so they need to be kept indoors when temperatures reach extreme levels.

Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; weak pulse; fainting; vomiting.

Signs of heat stroke include high body temperature (103° F or higher); hot, dry skin; rapid and strong pulse; possible unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1.

— Sophie Bonomi is a reporter for Kitsap News Group. Contact her at sbonomi@soundpublishing.com.