Cooling centers open as excessive heat warning continues

SEATTLE — With an excessive heat warning expected to continue, many local communities have cooling centers open for residents.

Many of them opened Tuesday, when the heat warning went into effect.

Such centers are critical for some people to be able to lower their core body temperature.

Most Puget Sound residents don't have air conditioning. Fans can sometimes get the job done, but when temperatures soar into the 90s, it’s critical that people limit their time outside.

If you are out in the heat, make sure you drink a lot of water and regularly find some shade to cool off.

It’s also a good practice to check on elderly neighbors and don’t forget to take care of your pets, making sure they have enough fresh water and a place to get out of the heat.

Seattle cooling centers

Includes Seattle Public Libraries that are equipped with air conditioning, locations at Seattle Center, senior centers, pools and water areas.

King County cooling centers

Includes Auburn, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bothell, Des Moines, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Maple Valley, North Bend, Panther Lake, Redmond, Renton, SeaTac, Shoreline, Snoqualmie and Tukwila.

Pierce County cooling centers

Locations around Pierce County that people can go to cool down include movie theaters, local malls and other large stores, as well as Pierce County libraries throughout the region. Includes locations  that will allow domesticated pets to come in with their owners to get out of the heat.

Skagit County cooling centers

Includes Anacortes, Burlington, Concrete, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley.

Snohomish County cooling centers

Looking for a place to cool off? Many community centers and libraries are open to help people beat the heat.

Thurston County cooling centers

Libraries, senior centers, community centers, fire stations and swimming pools where you can stay cool.

Cox Media Group