Fire safety tips and what to know about extreme heat risk

The HeatRisk forecast has been created in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

July 12, 2023 1:30 am
The HeatRisk scale shown above was first introduced in 2014. This year, a new version was rolled out for most areas of the western United States as a prototype in preparation for going national (Courtesy Photo).
The HeatRisk scale shown above was first introduced in 2014. This year, a new version was rolled out for most areas of the western United States as a prototype in preparation for going national (Courtesy Photo).

The National Weather Service (NWS) has developed a new tool to help you assess your health risks during a heat wave.

It’s called the HeatRisk forecast, and it has been created in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since the HeatRisk tool combines weather factors with health factors, it can be helpful when making summer plans for events and activities — everything from sports practice to work at a construction site.

You can see the current HeatRisk forecast map for our area by going here.

The tool goes beyond simple temperature readings by considering factors such as humidity, the temperature swing between high and low temperatures, the normal weather for the season, and the likely duration of a heat event.

It then weighs those factors against health risks for those sensitive to heat or exposed to heat — groups that include the elderly and the very young; people who are unhoused; those working outdoors or indoors in a non-cooled place; those exercising in the heat of the day; and those without a reliable source of cooling or hydration.

So, how can you stay cool on a high HeatRisk day? If you’ve got just three minutes, here’s a fast-paced video of tips produced by our emergency management colleagues at the City of Kirkland.

School’s Out Part 3: Summer Fire Safety

This tip list is for kids and also for the whole family. Protect your home and prevent burn injuries by taking these easy steps to stay safe with barbecues and recreational fires.

  • Maintain a 3-foot fire safety zone by clearing flammable materials away from the immediate vicinity of your grill or fire pit.
  • In addition to your fire safety zone, fire pits, and other recreational fires should be located at least 10 feet away from your home or other structure.
  • Closely watch children when your grill or fire pit is in use.
  • Store matches and lighters out of children’s sight and reach.
  • Use barbecue grills outside, never indoors. Indoor use can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Experts advise against using a grill on a porch or balcony since that’s too close to a structure for safety.
  • Place your grill well away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Open your gas grill before lighting it to avoid gas buildup and explosive ignition.
  • Keep an eye on your grill. Don’t walk away from it when it is lit.
  • Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire.
  • Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid after they have cooled.
  • Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard.
  • Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to keep sparks from floating out.

Find more home fire safety information here.

It’s important to know that the King County Fire Marshal has issued a Stage 1 burn ban for unincorporated King County, including Vashon. Recreational fires, gas/propane grills, and charcoal grills are permitted, but yard debris fires are prohibited.

Details on the burn ban can be found here.

Gadget Moment: Your Car

You may already own one of the most versatile disaster-preparedness gadgets you could ever have. It’s your car or pickup truck. If there’s an earthquake or some other major emergency, your car can keep you dry and warm. It can charge your phone or other essential devices. It may even be the best portable radio you own to get emergency information.

It wouldn’t be any fun to hole up in your car in an emergency for very long, but it’s immediately available if you are in a bind and it’s rainy, cold or there’s an extended power outage − instant shelter, power, and local radio information.

Always keep at least half a tank of gas in the vehicle, ready for an emergency situation. But never run the vehicle in a garage or other enclosed space where dangerous carbon monoxide exhaust could build up.

Plus, refresh your car “go-kit” once or twice a year, using one of the many checklists available online such as this one from the National Safety Council here.

COVID: Basic risk level

The VashonBePrepared risk level tool takes into account incomplete reporting of home testing results. Since the risk level tool was launched, it has primarily been based on the reliably accurate COVID hospitalization rates. Some other factors are also evaluated, including COVID virus levels in wastewater in our region.

At the basic risk level, wear an N95 mask indoors in public if you have been exposed to COVID, are at risk for health or other reasons, or live or spend time with someone at high risk.

Keep vaccinations up to date, including boosters. Maintain good ventilation at home and at work. Avoid those with suspected or confirmed COVID. If exposed to COVID, wear a mask in public and avoid contact with those at high risk for 10 days.

Always home-test if you have symptoms. If you test positive, isolate for at least five days and until you test negative. If you are immunocompromised, discuss additional prevention actions with your healthcare provider.