Cooling things off in Arlington
Published on Wed, Jul 29, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Communities
Sweltering temperatures in the 80s and 90s have left many local residents looking for ways to cool down--a shady tree, a front porch breeze, or maybe thousands of gallons of water streaming from a nearby fire truck.
"With this heat spell, we thought we could give some relief," said Arlington fire chief Jim Rankin. So on Saturday, July 25, firefighters brought their Ladder 47 truck to Twin Rivers Park in Arlington and provided an hour of wet, cool fun for kids and adults alike.
"We heard about this at the free movies in the park," said Cassandra Main of Arlington. With the help of her three sons, Main pulled her husband Eugene, laughing and pretending to resist, into the manmade downpour. "It's a blast!"
Seven firefighters, all of them on-call for the day, aimed the truck's powerful sprays onto the soccer fields at the park while kids, adults and even dogs romped through the water.
The following day found the giant water shower at the south end of the Arlington Airport, on the corner of 51st Avenue and 172nd Street.
Firefighters and paramedics are especially busy in the extremely warm weather we've been experiencing. Brush fires and medical emergencies skyrocket in the heat, especially when it lasts for several weeks.
The Snohomish Health District advises residents to "slow down, drink water and seek shade" during this hot weather. It's also important to check on elderly or ill neighbors and family members to make sure their needs are met.
The following tips are provided by the Snohomish Health District:
* Drink water: cool water is best. Don't wait until you're thirsty - sip 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour. Avoid drinks containing alcohol, caffeine, or a lot of sugar. Put out extra water for pets. Don't take salt tablets unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you take water pills, ask your doctor how much you should drink in hot weather.
* Slow down: cut back on strenuous activity, and take frequent rest breaks in the shade.
* Dress light: lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing helps your body cool off.
* Eat light: choose cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit and salads.
* Stay indoors: in an air-conditioned place, such as a movie theater or shopping mall. At home, pull curtains or shades to keep rooms cool. Use window stops to prevent children from falling out, and move fans out of their reach. Check railings for safety on decks and porches.
* NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
* Outdoors, use sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and try to limit your outside time to cooler morning and evening hours.
* Visit your elderly neighbors and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
"With this heat spell, we thought we could give some relief," said Arlington fire chief Jim Rankin. So on Saturday, July 25, firefighters brought their Ladder 47 truck to Twin Rivers Park in Arlington and provided an hour of wet, cool fun for kids and adults alike.
"We heard about this at the free movies in the park," said Cassandra Main of Arlington. With the help of her three sons, Main pulled her husband Eugene, laughing and pretending to resist, into the manmade downpour. "It's a blast!"
Seven firefighters, all of them on-call for the day, aimed the truck's powerful sprays onto the soccer fields at the park while kids, adults and even dogs romped through the water.
The following day found the giant water shower at the south end of the Arlington Airport, on the corner of 51st Avenue and 172nd Street.
Firefighters and paramedics are especially busy in the extremely warm weather we've been experiencing. Brush fires and medical emergencies skyrocket in the heat, especially when it lasts for several weeks.
The Snohomish Health District advises residents to "slow down, drink water and seek shade" during this hot weather. It's also important to check on elderly or ill neighbors and family members to make sure their needs are met.
The following tips are provided by the Snohomish Health District:
* Drink water: cool water is best. Don't wait until you're thirsty - sip 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour. Avoid drinks containing alcohol, caffeine, or a lot of sugar. Put out extra water for pets. Don't take salt tablets unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you take water pills, ask your doctor how much you should drink in hot weather.
* Slow down: cut back on strenuous activity, and take frequent rest breaks in the shade.
* Dress light: lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing helps your body cool off.
* Eat light: choose cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit and salads.
* Stay indoors: in an air-conditioned place, such as a movie theater or shopping mall. At home, pull curtains or shades to keep rooms cool. Use window stops to prevent children from falling out, and move fans out of their reach. Check railings for safety on decks and porches.
* NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
* Outdoors, use sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and try to limit your outside time to cooler morning and evening hours.
* Visit your elderly neighbors and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
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