Trying to keep cool when it’s hot, hot, hot

The Bainbridge Island Senior Center canceled many of its classes Monday due to temperatures over 100 degrees, but it stayed open as a City Cooling Center.

Not far away, on Eagle Harbor, the parks department canceled its afternoon sailing class.

Also, on June 26, an outdoor burning ban was imposed in Kitsap County due to fire danger.

Bainbridge Island Emergency Management coordinator Anne LeSage opened the cooling center at the Senior Community Center over the weekend due to the excessive heat warning put out by the National Weather Service.

The city activates its cooling center when there are four or more hours over 90 degrees. The heat watch actually starts Friday. The opening was from noon to 6 p.m., but it actually started earlier Monday since it was the hottest of the three days.

BI Ride and Island Volunteer Caregivers gave rides to those who needed them.

Center executive director Reed Price said a handful of people came in to keep cool. Some enjoyed reading a book from the free library they started were other libraries were shut down due to COVID-19 restrictions.

As young adults jumped off the Eagle Harbor dock Monday morning, Haley Lamon of BI Metro Parks & Recreation unloaded a power boat she was going to use while working with the sailing class.

Sailors did hit the waters in the morning, but they did a drill to keep cool, learning how to capsize their boats then right them again. Those not in the boat swam to keep cool.

Other small groups were seen at waterfront park, mostly hanging out in the shade, except for two youngsters who were on swings in the playground next to the Community Center. Rowing teams also were seen perfecting their craft in the waters.

The fire marshal imposed the Phase I Fire Danger Burn Ban until further notice. All outdoor burning permits are suspended, and all burning is prohibited except for recreational or cooking fires in approved devices and locations.

Local fire districts have seen recent increases in wildland fire responses, and an early start to the wildland season throughout the West has already put pressure on regional resources. Higher than normal temperatures are likely to continue and lower than normal amounts of rain are predicted over the next two weeks, worsening fire risk in a landscape that’s already dry. Escaped outdoor fires are the leading cause of wildland fires, sparking nearly 85% of all vegetation blazes.

“We’re asking the public to be aware of the sharp increase in fire danger and work with us to prevent dangerous wildland fires from outdoor burning as well as other causes,” fire marshal David Lynam said.

A more stringent Phase 2 Fire Danger Burn Ban may be imposed if conditions continue to deteriorate. For more contact the fire marshal’s office at 360-337-5777.

Meanwhile, here are some tips for staying cool, healthy all summer long.

Use an air conditioner during hot weather and heat emergencies. A setting of 78 degrees F (or low cool) can provide a comfortable environment, help save on electricity bills and conserve energy.
Heat illness occurs when the body cannot cool down. The signs are:
- Hot, dry skin or cold, clammy skin
- Confusion, hallucinations, disorientation
- Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Weakness
- Dizziness
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or someone you know shows signs of heat illness.
Stay out of the sun, wear a hat and wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 to avoid sunburn.
Never leave pets in the car. Temperatures rise quickly even with the windows down and can be fatal. Call 911 if you see a pet in a hot car.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitted clothing.
Drink fluids – particularly water – even if you do not feel thirsty.
Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Charge your medical and communications devices before a heatwave strikes.
Update your emergency supply kit before a heat emergency strikes.