Stay safe and cool this Independence Day

OLYMPIA — As we head into the Fourth of July, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) encourages everyone to take precautions and prepare for outdoor activities to ensure your summertime fun does not end at the emergency room or worse.

The National Weather Service predicts moderate to major heat for much of Washington by the end of this week. Track weather conditions at www.wrh.noaa.gov/wrh/heatrisk/ and plan to monitor people with health conditions, the elderly, and infants to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or other heat-related illnesses.

DOH also recommends you:

• Stay hydrat...