Community Corner

Cooling Center Available in Buckley as Heat Warning in Effect Through Monday

The National Weather Service issued the warning as temperatures in Enumclaw and Buckley approach record-breaking highs on Monday, July 1. How do you keep cool in the hot weather?

The National Weather Service has declared an excessive heat warning for the Puget Sound region until 11 p.m. Monday with temperatures forecasted for the mid 80s to mid 90s.

The Pierce County Department of Emergency Management reminds everyone to stay out of the heat as much as they can, and to check on elderly neighbors during this time.

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. Other facilities that are open include:

• Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 C St. in Spanaway 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Anderson Island Fire Department, 12207 Lake Josephine Blvd. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Fife Community Center, 2111 54th Ave. E 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Mon-Tue
• City of Buckley Multi Purpose Center, 811 East Main 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Mon-Tues
• Mid County Community Center, 10205 44th Ave. E in Tacoma 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mon-Thurs
• Steilacoom Community Center, 2301 Worthington St 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Mon-Thurs
• Bonney Lake Senior Center, 19304 Bonney Lk Blvd 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon-Fri
• Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St. SW 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon-Fri
• Chapel Hill Church, 7700 Skansie Ave. in Gig Harbor Entrance C or D 7:30 a.m – 9:30 p.m. Mon-Thurs

The following locations allow people and their domesticated pets to come in and get out of the heat. Pets need to be on a leash or in a crate and owners much provide water if they plan on being in the store for long periods of time.

• Lowe’s – all stores, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Petsmart – all stores
• VCA Pacific Avenue, 10324 Pacific Ave in Spanaway, open 24/7

According to the National Weather Service, an excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely.

Take extra precaution if you work or spend time outside. When possible...reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.  To reduce risk during outdoor work...the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. 

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 9-1-1.

Find out what's happening in Enumclawwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

How do you keep cool? What tips do you have for your neighbors? Tell us in the comments. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Enumclaw