Grant County Emergency Management offers cool-down tips

COLUMBIA BASIN —Temperatures topped 100 degrees Thursday in the Columbia Basin, and hot weather is expected to continue this weekend.

In Mattawa the temperature reached 110 degrees Thursday, breaking a record temperature set in 1975 of 108 degrees, according to AccuWeather.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Steve Bodnar said the temperature in the Moses Lake area is expected to drop 6 or 7 degrees today compared with yesterday.

Washington has a 40 percent chance of being above normal in temperature through September, Bodnar said.

Dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion are dangers that come with the warmer weather, he said.

"Stay cool, stay hydrated and be careful as far as cigarettes and things that could possibly light a fire," Bodnar advised.

Samaritan Healthcare emergency room physician Jeff Evans said he has seen two or three cases of heat exhaustion so far this year. In his 23 years working in the emergency room, Evans has never seen a case of heat stroke.

"Heat exhaustion is very common and that's just too much heat and not enough fluids," he said.

Urine clarity is a good indicator of hydration, Evans said. A well-hydrated person urinates clear at least twice each day.

He noted alcohol dehydrates the body and water should be consumed instead.

"Alcoholic beverages are not hydrating fluids," he said. "They are dehydrating fluids."

Someone who passes out in the heat should be removed from the sun and taken into a cool area, Evans said. They should take Tylenol and drink at least two liters of fluid.

For most Caucasians, an SPF sunscreen of at least 30 is necessary, Evans said. Sunscreen with an SPF level of 15 to 20 is adequate for someone with darker skin. Individuals going into water should wear waterproof sunscreen.

Rarely is an individual burned severely enough by the sun to be admitted to the emergency room, Evans said.

Individuals taking medication for hypertension should check their blood pressure before taking medication on warm-weather days. Evans said they can pass out after taking their pills because their blood pressure is already low.

Individuals on cycline medication should avoid the sun, Evans said.

Grant County Emergency Management offers several additional tips to stay safe during the hot weather:

? Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun

? Stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, if air conditioning is not available

? Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings, such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, and other community facilities

? Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician

? Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid-restricted diets, or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake

? Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing that cover as much skin as possible. Protect the face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat

? Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and spend much of their time alone

? Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles

? Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme hear, and take frequent breaks