Heat is a serious threat to people’s health and is made more dangerous in Washington state, where many people lack air conditioning. Some tips can help people stay cool, especially if they don’t have AC.

The state has already seen record breaking heat this summer.

Dr. Scott Itano is a family medicine physician in Washington for Kasier Permanente.

When temperatures are high, Itano suggested people avoid going outside during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm. He also said to use cool water to cool down and drink more water than usual.

“If you don’t have air conditioning, consider trying to go to public facilities that have air conditioning,” said Itano. “Things like public libraries or shopping centers or things along those lines. Even just a couple hours in air conditioning can really help you survive the day when we have these intense heat waves.”

Northwest homes have historically had the fewest air conditioners of any in the country. However, heat waves in recent years have changed that.

In Seattle, for instance, more than half of homes in 2021 had air conditioning – up from 31% in 2013.

Itano said there is a spectrum of heat-related illnesses – starting with heat exhaustion, which includes tiredness, fatigue, or light headedness. He said a more serious condition is heat stroke.

“That’s when you get symptoms that might mimic a stroke,” said Itano. “So you might pass out, you might have a seizure, you might have altered mental status. So those are definitely more serious symptoms and if you’re experiencing them, you’d want to call 911 right away or seek care.”

Itano said certain groups of people are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including the elderly and younger people. He noted that people with chronic medical conditions should also be careful.

“If you have diabetes, or asthma, or lung disease, or heart disease – heat intensifies and stresses the body,” said Itano. “So any stressor to the body is going to make those conditions worse and potentially put you at more risk.”

In the wake of dangerous heat waves, Washingtonians are increasingly adopting air conditioning for their homes. (Victor/Adobe Stock)