The City is preparing for local climate change impacts, including higher temperatures and more frequent and intense wildfires in the region. We have partnered with community organizations to provide safe environments for people during times of extreme heat or poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. Prolonged exposure to heat or smoke can be harmful or life-threating, especially for those with health issues.
Where to go during extreme heat or smoke
During periods of extreme heat or wildfire smoke, these locations offer cooler and cleaner air for residents:
- Bellingham Library – Bellis Fair Branch, 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy #616
Monday: closed
Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday to Friday: 2 – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m. - Port of Bellingham Ferry Terminal, 355 Harris Ave.
Open daily, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. - Sportsplex, 1225 Civic Field Way
Call 360-676-1919 for open hours.
The City may open an additional facility when conditions are expected to exceed either of these thresholds:
- The National Weather Service forecasts HeatRisk at the “Major” level or higher (Source: NWS Heat Risk Map)
- Air quality forecast is “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” (Source: Air Now Air Quality Index Map)
The additional facility will be located at Bellingham High School (2020 Cornwall Ave, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.). When open, we will post on our homepage and social media accounts.
How to protect yourself from extreme heat
Prolonged exposure to temperatures of 80°F (27°C) and above can impact our health, especially for children, older adults, and those with health issues. Heat-related illnesses can include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Below are a few of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) heat safety tips:
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Limit outdoor activities to early morning or late evening
- Drink plenty of water and clear liquids
- Take a cool bath or shower
- Find shade if you are outside
- Wear sunscreen
- Spend time in air-conditioned spaces
- If your residence doesn’t have air conditioning, then consider visiting public spaces that do:
- Visit a community center, such as a library
- Walk or shop at a mall
- Go to a movie
- Access a cool space at a building or visit a Cooling Center location
- If your residence doesn’t have air conditioning, then consider visiting public spaces that do:
- Stay informed on weather conditions
How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke contains very small particles that can end up deep in the lungs. Extended exposure to wildfire smoke can cause throat irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and chest pain. People with respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable. Below are a few of the CDC’s tips to stay safe during wildfires and poor air quality:
- Limit time outdoors
- Avoid outdoor exercise
- When indoors, keep windows closed as much as possible
- Wear a respirator, as advised by your doctor
- Check on at-risk loved ones or neighbors
- Visit one of the buildings listed as a Cooling Center
- Track outdoor air quality on AirNow
- Check the Washington Smoke Blog to find updates on air quality
Resources
- North America Fire and Smoke Map
- Homelessness resources
- Whatcom County Health and Community Services wildfire smoke information and resources
- Whatcom County Health and Community Services extreme heat information and resources
Contact
Phone: (360) 778-7999
Email: savidana@cob.org
