Cooling Centers offered July 5, 2024, through July 9, 2024, for Extreme Heat Weather Event

Cooling Centers open during extreme heat events.

The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for temperatures above 92 degrees in the Puget Sound for July 5, 2024, 12:00 p.m. PDT through July 9, 2024, 10:00 p.m. PDT. Extreme heat can cause illness and worsen existing health conditions. 

The decision to activate Cooling Centers is typically made each day, based on the National Weather Service HeatRisk Index. HeatRisk takes into consideration how unusual heat is for the time of year, the duration of the heat including both daytime and nighttime temperatures, and if those temperatures pose an elevated risk of heat-related impacts. 

During this extreme heat, several Daytime-Cooling-Centers are available to help you beat the heat. These cooling centers are provided by our community partners:

• Hawks Prairie Timberland Library is in operation Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 8205 Martin Way E Suite B, Lacey 98516. Limited seating available.
• Lacey Timberland Library is in operation Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 500 College St SE, Lacey 98503
• Olympia Timberland Library is in operation Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 313 8^th Ave SE, Olympia 98501
• Rainier Senior Center is available as needed at 108 Michigan St S, Rainier 98576. Call for more information (360) 292-5363 
• Tenino Timberland Library is in operation Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 172 Central Ave W, Tenino 98589
• Tumwater Timberland Library is in operation Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 7023 New Market St, Tumwater 98501
• Yelm Timberland Library is in operation Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 210 Prairie Park St, Yelm 98597
• Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center is in operation Sunday from 12:30pm-7:30pm, Monday 8am-7:30pm, Tuesday 8am-7:30pm at 6757 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503.

We encourage everyone in Thurston County to take extreme heat seriously and act with caution. You can take simple steps to prevent heat-related illness and death: 

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. 
• Keep your home cooler by shutting blinds and drawing curtains. Use fans or air conditioners if you have them. 
• Take cool showers or baths. 
• Check on friends, family members, older adults, and neighbors. 
• Avoid outdoor activities during the heat of the day. 
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. 
• Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of shade and water. 
• Know the signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. 

Thurston County Emergency Management and Thurston County Public Health & Social Services recognize and value the contribution made by our community partners in providing these important cooling spaces. 

Increased Outreach Efforts and Cooling Centers offered July 5, 2024, through July 9, 2024, for Extreme Heat Weather Event

This week’s extreme weather is dangerous for those without shelter.

Thurston County will declare a 4-day, 4-night Hazardous Weather Event. During this extreme heat, Thurston County homeless service providers will provide multiple options for individuals living outside to stay hydrated and find cool places to be at during the day. 

1. Day Time Cooling Activities: A daytime cooling center will be available from 
   10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 7
2. Increased Shelter-in-Place Activities: Partners in Prevention Education will be providing increased distribution of survival supplies to individuals and families living in encampments.

Emergency Cooling Center will be in operation Friday, July 5, 2024, through Sunday, July 7, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Sergio’s Place located at 3444 Martin Way NE, for individuals needing shelter during the hottest parts of the day. Pets are welcome.

Donations of water, sunscreen, aloe, sport drinks, hats, and snacks will be accepted directly at Sergio’s Place during their open hours on Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.iwshelter.org/code-red.html for more information. 

Other emergency hazardous weather shelter options:

1. Union Gospel Mission for single adults. 
2. Community Youth Services is available for youth ages 18-24. 
3. Cooling center for families at Family Support center 3545 7^th Ave SW. Suite 200.      
   Monday- Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Emotional support pets allowed but must be leashed or kenneled. 

For more information on available shelters, contact the Thurston County Shelter Hotline at 1-844-628-7343. To find community resources near you, visit Washington 211.

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