June 25, 2021
City to open cooling centers to help residents beat the heat
Two facilities will open to the public from 2 to 8 p.m. this Saturday through Tuesday
Updates
June 28, 8:15 am Renton Technical College will open Blencoe Auditorium as a cooling center on Monday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The auditorium is in Building C, 3000 NE 4th St., Renton, 98056. The college will have water, restrooms, power outlets and WIFI available.
We will have an update on the senior center's status for Monday afternoon sometime Monday morning.
(10:10 AM update): The senior center WILL NOT open as a cooling center on Monday & Tuesday. The community center will be open.
RENTON, WA – The City of Renton will host cooling centers at Renton Community Center and Renton Senior Activity Center to help residents cope with the approaching heatwave.
“Throughout the city, we're making our response to this emergency a priority to help protect our residents,” said Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone. “The temperatures we’re seeing are record-breaking and a threat, especially to our seniors. Opening these city facilities will provide a place to relax and stay cool.”
The Senior Activity Center (211 Burnett Ave. N., Renton, 98057) will open for senior residents only from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 26 through Tuesday, June 29. Capacity will be limited to 100 people.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed seniors are more prone to heat stress:
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Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
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They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
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They are more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat.
Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy, Renton, 98057) will also be open from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 26 through Tuesday, June 29. All ages are welcome. Capacity will be limited to 100 people.
No pets will be allowed, and face coverings are required for all who enter either facility. City staff will have a supply of masks. Please bring personal entertainment devices (including headphones), and books, and relax in a cool and quiet environment. WiFi is available.
The following cities are also opening facilities as cooling centers:
Additionally, King County Library System branches are available as cooling shelters during regular business hours. The two branches in Renton will not be open.
Open Friday and Saturday, June 25 & 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Algona Pacific, Black Diamond, Boulevard Park, Enumclaw, Federal Way (320th), Kent, Kirkland, Lake Hills, Lake Forest Park, Muckleshoot, Skyway, Tukwila, Woodinville, and Woodmont. Vashon Island branch will be open but awaiting repair of their air condition unit.
Open only Friday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open only Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
High temperatures are expected to be near or well over 100 degrees Saturday through Monday. All members of the community are encouraged to shelter in place and stay out of the heat. If that is not possible, use one of the cooling locations near you, visit a mall, the library, or go to the movies. Hydration is essential, so drink plenty of liquids.
Public Health – Seattle & King County has more tips on how to stay cool.
About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 105,500 (2020), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks, and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found on our website, news releases, or Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
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