A heat advisory goes into effect this weekend. Here’s a guide for staying cool in Tacoma

Jared Gendron

Temperatures have been on a steady climb the past week, jumping from a high of 63 on Monday to 78 on Friday. It’s supposed to get hotter over the weekend.

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a heat advisory for the south Puget Sound area lasting through Monday, with temperatures expected to climb into the 80s and possibly 90s over multiple days. The City of Tacoma is warning residents about the incoming heat wave and urges residents to stay cool.

Whether you’re planning to stay indoors or venture to a beach, Tacomans should plan ahead to avoid heat-related illnesses. The News Tribune lays out where you can enjoy the outside weather without getting beaten down by the heat, as well as where to find air conditioning units for sale or indoor activities in facilities with AC.

Where to stay cool

The City of Tacoma recommends visiting the following facilities or locations that have air conditioning or cool environments. Also, the state Department of Health shares tips on where to find cooling centers if you don’t access to air conditioning:

Where to buy an AC unit or fan

If you don’t already have an air conditioning unit or central air conditioning in your home, check out a local store for a portable AC. Here are the prices for some at a few Tacoma retail stores:

Walmart – Tacoma Supercenter

Prices range from $15 to the low $200 range and up. Check Walmart’s website for other options that may work for your budget and living space.

Lowe’s – South Orchard Street

Popular options online include ACs at $40 and up to $300. View the rest of ACs available on the Lowe’s website.

Home Depot – Center Street and Tacoma Mall Boulevard

The two Home Depot locations in Tacoma have portable AC units over $300. The units are larger and can cool down larger square footage of space. View the store’s website.

Target – South 23rd Street

Like Walmart, Target has AC units priced below $100. Some are priced in the low $100-200 range, too. You can find the ACs available on Target’s website.

Know the signs of heat-related illness

Excessive heat can lead to several heat-related illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states people who are at the greatest risk of contracting these forms of illness include infants and children up to age 4, people aged 65 and over, overweight individuals and others who already have certain medical complications.

Here are the most common ones according to the CDC, the symptoms to look out for and what you should do if you or someone else experiences signs of illness:

Heat stroke symptoms

  • Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher

  • Hot, red, dry or damp skin

  • Fast and strong pulse

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Headache

  • Passing out

Heat stroke is a medical emergency, so call 911 right away. Someone experiencing heat stroke should move to a cooler place and try to lower their body temperature with cool washcloths or a cool bath. Someone experiencing heat stroke should not be given something to drink.

Heat exhaustion symptoms

  • Heavy sweating

  • Cold, pale and clammy skin

  • Fast and weak pulse

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Muscle cramps

  • Tiredness or weakness

  • Dizziness

  • Headache

  • Passing out

Someone with heat exhaustion should move to a cool place, their their clothes loosened. They should sip water and try to lower their body temperature by taking a cold bath or padding their body with wet washcloths. Seek medical attention right away if you or someone with heat exhaustion is throwing up, is experiencing worsening symptoms or if the symptoms last longer than an hour.

Heat cramps symptoms

  • Heavy sweating during intense exercise

  • Muscle pain or spasms

A person who is having heat cramps should cease physical activity and move to a cooler place, drink water or a sports drink, and wait until cramps disappear before resuming activity. They should seek medical attention if their cramps last longer than an hour, if they’re on a low-sodium diet or they have heart problems.

Sunburn symptoms

  • Painful, red and warm skin

  • Blisters

If you get a sunburn, stay out of the sun until it heals. You should put cool washcloths on the affected areas or take a cool bath. To soothe your skin, apply moisturizing lotion on a sunburn. Don’t break any blisters.

Heat rash symptoms

  • Clusters of small blisters on the skin resembling pimples, typically found on the neck, chest, groin or elbow creases

  • A rash should be kept dry. Use baby powder to soothe an affected area. Move to a cool and dry place.

Precautions to avoid heat-related illness

Follows these simple tips, as advised by the Department of Health, to keep heat-related sickness at bay and others safe:

  • Stay in an air-conditioned environment or indoors as much as possible.

  • Close home windows and shades during daylight hours. Keep oven use to a minimum.

  • Check on friends, family members and neighbors before bedtime.

  • Stay hydrated. Sip non-alcoholic fluids throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

  • Make sure outdoor pets have protection from the heat. Walk them on grass instead of asphalt, which can burn their feet. Never leave them in a parked vehicle.

  • If you’re working outdoors, take frequent breaks. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen to best avoid getting sunburned or too hot.

  • Don’t rely on a fan as your sole cooling source. They don’t protect against heat-related illness.

  • Follow the health department’s water safety tips if you decide to go swimming or boating. Lakes and rivers are still at freezing temperatures, and exposing your body to a massive change in temperature can result in shock, arrhythmia and even result in drowning. Ease into temperature changes.

  • Check for outdoor fire restrictions in your area. High temperatures and dry air increase wildfire risk.

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