UPDATED 9/12: KCRHA activated Severe Weather Shelters on Sunday, September 11 to extend hours as a safe option for people experiencing homelessness during this period of poor air quality. As of September 12, the air quality has moved from unhealthy to moderate, but may still pose a danger to the well being of people with heart and/or lung disease. The advice from the National Weather Service is to get inside for proper ventilation and limit outdoor activities.
Because there are multiple wildfires, the RHA will keep a close eye on air quality and adjust our response if necessary. Click here to see a map of current wildfires and smoke information.
The following shelter will be activated:
- Compass Housing Alliance
- 77 S. Washington, Seattle
- The day center opens at 9am and remained open overnight.
- 50 beds were made available for overnight stay
- Usage: 4 people were served during the day, 6 people came in for an overnight stay
In partnership with Public Health, we provided supplies to outreach workers, including:
- 10 cases of water
- 8 cases of Gatorade
- 6 12-gallon water jugs
- 10 cooling towels
- 1 box of sunscreen
This weekend had very dry weather and smoky air from wildfires. Due to these conditions, the National Weather Service issued a “red flag” warning for smoke. A red flag warning means that warm temperatures, low humidity, and stronger winds are combining to increase the risk of fire danger.
KCRHA’s role is to support you in ensuring fire safety and preventing fires from spreading or causing further risk for our unhoused neighbors.
To prevent the risk of fires, we ask that you please talk to your residents, clients, and people living unsheltered about fire safety.
- Make sure that cigarettes are completely put out, and do not throw cigarettes out of a vehicle or window. Cigarettes can easily ignite dry grass.
- Obey burn bans and do not start any fires for any reason
- Be extra careful with propane tanks and stoves
- Evacuate if there is smoke or fire near your sleeping area
- Evacuate if ordered to do so by local authorities
For more information on red flag warning, please refer to the National Weather Services website.
