Latest forecast is 113 in Tri-Cities. Here’s how you can help the most vulnerable
Bottled water is being collected to offer relief to some the Tri-Cities’ most vulnerable in the scorching heat this week.
Kadlec Regional Medical Center caregivers are donating cases of bottled water to the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco and the public also can pitch in to help the homeless and underserved.
“This will really help a lot of people,” said Andrew Porter, executive director of the mission.
The Union Gospel Mission has opened the doors of its men’s and its women and children’s homeless shelters as cooling centers.
The mission will be handing out water at both shelters and also later this week at Peanuts Park in Pasco, where homeless people often gather, during what is expected to be a record breaking heat wave.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through Friday night for most of Eastern Washington, including the Tri-Cities.
The worst is yet to come with a high of 108 forecast for Wednesday, 112 for Thursday, 110 for Friday and 107 on Saturday, according to the weather service.
Weather should start to cool on Sunday, with a high of 101 forecast by the weather service.
The Weather Channel is predicting even hotter temperatures than the weather service, with a high of 113 forecast for Friday.
In Pasco, both the men’s shelter at 221 S. 4th Ave., and the women and children’s shelter at 110 N. 2nd Ave. are open until at least 9 p.m. during the heat wave.
“They’re coming in from the outside. They’re hot,” Porter said. “We provide them with water and a cool place to sit and get cooled down. During the heat of the day is the worst part and people are out on the street.”
Three meals a day are offered and showers are available from 1 to 3 p.m. at both shelters.
Cases of bottled water for Kadlec to deliver to the mission can be dropped off 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, at the Columbia Basin College Health Sciences Center, 891 Northgate Drive, Richland.
Bottled water also can be dropped off at the mission or other arrangements made by emailing KadlecCommunications@kadlec.org.
Hot weather deadly
The hot weather is a serious safety concern for those without air conditioning.
The Washington state Department of Health says that extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the United States.
Four Tri-Cities area people who did not have air conditioning died due to the heat during last year’s record breaking heat wave.
People should take action if they notice symptoms of heat illness, it said. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps and weakness.
They need to stop all activity and move to a cooler location to rest for at least a few minutes. They should get medical care immediately if they do not feel better.
The health department urges people to check on friends, family, neighbors and pets during the heat wave.
Those most at risk from extreme heat are older adults, infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The heat also disproportionately affects low income people who may not have air conditioning, athletes who exercise outdoors and outdoor workers.
Those spending time outdoors need to drink plenty of water and not wait until they are thirsty to drink, according to the CDC.
This story was originally published July 26, 2022 at 12:44 PM.