Kitsap residents dealing well with the heat

Published 4:24 pm Monday, July 1, 2013

Temperatures are soaring as summer gets underway. And everybody’s noticed.

Since late last week, temperatures have been consistently in the mid-80s, and even reached the 90s on Sunday. The forecast for the rest of this holiday week promises more of the same.

Throughout Kitsap County, people are doing all they can to stay cool. In Bremerton, both Walmart and Fred Meyer are sold out of portable house fans, as is Home Depot in Silverdale. Target and Walgreens in Silverdale both are close to being sold out as well, as of Monday morning.

At home, people are finding creative ways to stay cool in their houses. Some people have placed bowls of ice in front of their fans to make the air colder. Others are spending their days at community pools and lakes.

“It’s too hot,” said Lynn Florent, who was visiting the Silverdale Waterfront Park with her children. “But it feels good.”

Nicole Hugill, also at the waterfront, said the temperatures don’t bother her during the day, because she’s use to hotter weather in her hometown, Pendleton, Ore.

“At nighttime, it’s a different story,” she said. “Sleeping in the heat is almost impossible for me.”

To fix that problem, she plans to get a window air conditioner soon.

For people with pets, visiting the water was a common solution, as well.

To keep cool, Janet Myros said she’s been turning the air conditioner on at home and taking her dog Jessie with her to play in the water during the day.

With the increase in temperature, there are many health risks to keep in mind. Sunburn, for starters, is an obvious risk and can be easily avoided by using sunscreen and staying inside or in the shade.

More serious risks include heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Jacquie Goodwill, director of marketing and communication for Harrison Medical Center, said that the hospital has seen an increase in heat-related visits.

“We have seen a number of people who have been passing out because of the heat,” said Goodwill.

Spending time outside in hot weather is fun, but you need to keep an eye out for signs that the heat is getting to you and your friends and family.

Symptoms of heat stroke include fainting, dizziness, nausea, headaches and more. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

The American Red Cross has some tips for avoiding the downfalls of hot weather. These tips include staying hydrated, but avoiding caffeine or alcohol, wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, avoiding strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day and more.

To get more information and safety tips, visit www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/heat-wave.