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How to stay healthy on hot & smoky days

  • 2 hours ago
  • 3 min read
Wildfire Smoke in Bremerton - September 23, 2025

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Cities across the country are experiencing extreme heat and wildfire smoke that can cause dangerous health risks.  

 

These hazards can affect Kitsap too. Wildfire smoke is drifting into our region this week making skies hazy and affecting air quality, while a heat advisory is in place for Tuesday and Wednesday. 

  

Here are reminders to help you protect yourself and others from heat and wildfire smoke. 

Extreme heat 

 

Getting too hot can make you sick. Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, can happen to anyone. 

 

Signs of heat exhaustion: 

  • Heavy sweating 

  • Cold, clammy skin 

  • Fast, weak pulse 

  • Nausea or vomiting 

  • Muscle cramps 

  • Tiredness/weakness 

  • Dizziness 

  • Headache 

  • Fainting (passing out) 

 

If you believe someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, help lower their body temperature by: 

  • Moving them to a cool place. 

  • Loosening their clothes. 

  • Put cool, wet cloths on them or place them in a cold bath. 

  • Give them water to sip. 

 

Signs of heat stroke: 

  • High body temperature (103° or higher) 

  • Hot, dry, red skin 

  • Fast, strong pulse 

  • Headache 

  • Dizziness or nausea 

  • Confusion or slurred speech 

  • Fainting (passing out) 

 

Call 911 if you think someone has heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. While waiting for emergency services, work on lowering their body temperature but do not give them water to drink. 

 

Tips to cool off 

 

You can help prevent heat-related illnesses by: 

 

  • Staying in cool, indoor spaces as much as you can. If you can’t stay cool in your home, go to a public space with air conditioning, like a nearby library. 

  • Creating cooler indoor spaces by opening windows, using fans, and pulling down window shades. 

  • Drinking plenty of water. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks. 

  • Wearing loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.   

  • Taking cool showers or baths. 

  • Checking on neighbors and loved ones.  

  • Watching the weather forecast. 

  • Calling 211 or visit KitsapDEM.com to check if a nearby cooling center is open. 

Wildfire smoke 

 

Exposure to smoke from wildfires can cause health problems or worsen existing conditions. These impacts can range from minor to severe. 

 

Symptoms are:  

  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation  

  • Fatigue 

  • Headaches and coughing  

  • Wheezing and shortness of breath  

  • Stress and mental health concerns 

 

Seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing.  

 

How to check air quality and forecasts 

 

Several agencies report air quality conditions and forecasts for our area: 

 

  • Puget Sound Clean Air Agency gives recommendations based on current air quality and risk level.   

  • Washington Smoke Blog features an air quality map, updates on wildfire activity, and links to resources.   

  • Airnow.gov is a national resource offering air quality monitoring and forecasts.    

 

Learn more about how air quality is measured online. 


Tips for smoky days 

 

Help protect yourself from wildfire smoke by: 

  • Staying indoors as much as possible – in your home or a public place that has good air filtration, like a library or mall. 

  • Creating a clean room in your home – such as a living room or bedroom – where you can keep air cooler and cleaner when air quality outside is unhealthy. 

  • Consider buying an air purifier or learn how to make a box fan air filter at home by watching this video. 

Resources 

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