Spokane Community Urged to Prepare for Inclement Weather
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~ As temperatures continue to rise in the coming days, the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and the City of Spokane Valley are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe during the heat and smoke. The three entities are also reminding community members to check on friends, family, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable.

According to Erin Hut, Communications Director for the City of Spokane, extended exposure to high temperatures and smoke can be dangerous, especially for children and older adults. In order to help residents beat the heat, various resources are available.

One option is to visit one of the many cooling and safe air spaces throughout the region. All Spokane County Library District locations offer climate-controlled public spaces. Additionally, Spokane Public Library locations and community centers are open during regular hours. Residents can also seek refuge in air-conditioned spaces such as malls and movie theaters.

For those experiencing homelessness or in need of shelter during this time, there are several resources available. The City of Spokane will activate its inclement weather plan as per the Spokane Municipal Code, providing additional shelter beds. Information on shelter bed availability can be found at sheltermespokane.org.

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The City of Spokane's Cannon St. Navigation Center is also open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with transportation available by calling 509-413-9778. Street outreach teams and partner outreach teams have been equipped with water, sunscreen, electrolyte packages, dog food, and other materials to distribute throughout the community.

The SNAP Outreach Team is also providing resources and transportation for unsheltered individuals. In addition, the co-deployment mobile outreach team in Spokane Valley is offering weather-related supplies and transportation for those experiencing homelessness while also assisting residents in finding housing and other resources.

For those looking for a fun way to cool off during these hot days, there are several options available as well. The City of Spokane has splash pads operational from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 19 parks, and six pools open Mondays through Saturdays at varying hours. Spokane County also has two family aquatic centers open seven days a week with two public swim periods: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with reservations recommended. The City of Spokane Valley operates three public pools with free swim on Fridays and Sundays, as well as splash pads open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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To help residents easily locate these cooling options, Gonzaga University's Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment has created an interactive map of places to cool down throughout the region. Residents can also call 211 or visit the website to find information about cooling center locations and receive emergency information.

For those without access to transportation, Spokane Transit Authority is offering fare exceptions for customers traveling to and from cooling spaces when the temperature reaches 95 degrees or higher. Simply inform the coach operator that you are heading to a support center and do not have fare payment.

As temperatures continue to rise, it is important for residents to take heat safety seriously. The National Weather Service recommends taking precautions as prolonged exposure can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, it is crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 9-1-1.

To stay safe in the heat, residents are encouraged to reduce time in the sun, spend time in air-conditioned places, cover windows receiving direct sunlight, wear lightweight clothing, drink plenty of fluids (water, sports drinks, juice) and avoid alcohol/caffeine, take cool showers or use cool water to bring down body temperature, check on elderly neighbors and relatives, never leave children or pets in parked cars, childproof open windows, use extreme caution around water and review water safety tips. By taking these small steps, residents can make a big impact in staying safe during the heat.

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