Dear Friends and Neighbors,

You likely heard that we are destined for record-breaking heat this weekend, with Seattle area forecasts reaching triple digits. As a result of the incoming heat wave Governor Inslee lifted COVID-19 capacity restrictions on nonprofit organizations and other buildings so they may serve our community as cooling centers.

Local Cooling Centers

I want to share with you a list of cooling centers throughout King County and specifically in District 8. The City of Seattle, as well as the King County Library System, are also working to open cooling centers. Seattle specific cooling centers can be found on this city of Seattle website. Please note that masks are required for all people – vaccinated or not – inside cooling centers.

King County Cooling Centers in District 8

• SeaTac – SeaTac Community Center
• Tukwila – Westfield Southcenter Mall

For locations of the other King County cooling centers, visit the King County Emergency website.

King County Libraries Open in District 8

The Boulevard Park, Tukwila, and Vashon libraries are open Saturday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. operating as cooling centers. View the complete list of open libraries on the KCSL website.

Burn Ban

The King County Fire Marshall issued a Stage 1 burn ban for unincorporated King County, including White Center and Vashon Island, until further notice. The ban applies to all outdoor burning outside of barbecues and small fires in established fire pits. This is necessary to help safeguard our communities – with high temperatures expected over the weekend, the risk of wildfire increased dramatically.

Please share these resources with your neighbors. Heat effects everyone differently – exposure to sun and high temperatures can cause heat stroke or heart attacks. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and don’t forget the sunscreen this weekend.

As always, please do reach out if there is anything I can do to assist.

Stay safe and healthy,

-Joe

Joe McDermott
King County Councilmember