Weather forecasters predict today will be hotter than yesterday and likely to set new records for high temperatures, the highest ever experienced in the Puget Sound area, including Vashon. Vashon will hit a high of well over 100 degrees with the National Weather Service suggesting the possibility of a high temperature on Vashon of 112 degrees.Three air conditioned cooling center locations are available today on Vashon, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Masks and social distancing are required. Here are the three locations... - Vashon Library, in town at 17210 Vashon Highway, at Ober Park.In addition, VashonBePrepared has arranged for two more cooling centers where...

An extended heat wave is affecting Vashon and the rest of the Puget Sound this weekend with  high temperatures that could exceed 110 degrees by Monday.Three air conditioned cooling center locations are available on Vashon, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm each day. Masks and social distancing are required.The lobby of Vashon Center for the Arts, south of town at 19600 Vashon Highway at the intersection with Cemetery Road. Open all three days, through Monday.Subway restaurant, in town at 17408 Vashon Highway one block north of the intersection with Bank Road. Open all three days, through Monday.Vashon Library, in town at 17210 Vashon Highway, at Ober Park. Open Saturday and Monday, closed...

· VashonBePrepared's Emergency Operations Center was activated 67 weeks ago (471 days) to respond to what became a global pandemic.· Our emergency response team with the help of many Island and County partners achieved remarkable results to help communicate, support, and assist Vashonites.· Based on Public Health –Seattle & King County’s dashboard, Vashon had 121 residents test positive for the COVID-19 virus. That is 11.2 cases per 1,000 residents, compared to...

 ... and all year long!

Water only when the yard or garden needs water, focusing on the root zone. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.Water slowly and thoroughly in the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. Use a kitchen or portable timer when using the hose as a reminder to turn it off or purchase an inexpensive hose timer.Let grass grow taller in hot weather to preserve moisture.Use mulch in the garden and around shrubs to save moisture.Plant native plants and shrubs that don't need a lot of water.Consider alternatives to big, thirsty lawns.Water trees slowly, deeply, and infrequently to encourage...

There are two air conditioned cooling center locations on Vashon Island, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday through Monday. Masks and social distancing are required at both of these locations.

The lobby of Vashon Center for the Arts, south of town at 19600 Vashon Highway at the intersection with Cemetery Road.Subway restaurant, in town at 17408 Vashon Highway one block north of the intersection with Bank Road.Both locations are offering free water or soft drinks to cooling center drop ins. Folks in need of transportation to reach the cooling centers can arrange a trip by contacting Vashon Community Van at 206-263-5901 or email communityvan@kingcounty.gov, or go online to:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/local-services/programs/vashon-community-van.aspxAlthough...

This morning’s briefings included these slides that may be of interest…

An extended heat wave will affect Vashon and the rest of the Puget Sound this weekend with  high temperatures above 105 degrees predicted Sunday and Monday.Heat waves can be dangerous for elders, infants, people on medications, and people with health conditions that increase heat sensitivity, so it's important to take sensible precautions to avoid heat-related illness. Here are some tips to beat the heat from Public Health -- Seattle & King County and VashonBePrepared.... Minimize physical...