Prepare now for a holiday weekend warm up

For immediate release: August 30 (24-104)

Contact:DOH Communications

As people plan to enjoy the long Labor Day weekend, there are heat risks in some areas

OLYMPIA - As people make plans to celebrate the long weekend, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) wants everyone to stay safe and healthy over the Labor Day holiday. Washington will remain hot and get even hotter the next few days, especially in Central and Eastern Washington where moderate to major heat risks remain.

"We expect high temperatures this weekend, especially east of the Cascades," said Nathan Weed, DOH's Chief of Resilience. "We want people to have fun but also to be safe. That can be hard when it's this hot. So, get together with family and friends, but keep safety tips in mind."

You shouldn't have to labor too hard to stay safe with these simple tips:

• Check your local forecast and use the National Weather Service's HeatRisk map to see where heat presents a health risk.
• Reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke with these health safety strategies.
• Ensure pets are safe during the heat.
• If you are driving, make sure you have a vehicle emergency kit.
• Find a cooling center near you by visiting WA211.org or contacting your local health department.
• Prevent foodborne illnesses with these food safety and shellfish safety tips.
• Stay safe in and on the water with these water safety guidelines.
• Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases.
• Prevent wildfires.
• Stay safe from wildfire smoke.

National Preparedness Month returns this September. Follow DOH's social media channels for preparedness advice on what to do before, during, and after an emergency.

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