No AC? Can’t open your windows? Here’s how to stay cool.
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider When it’s hot outside, it can be miserable inside if you don’t have air conditioning or can’t open your windows. Public Health Insider has put together tips that can help when it feels like an oven in your home. Read more.
Take care working outdoors during extreme heat
(Updated August 14, 2023) Extremely hot weather is forecast to continue for the next few days in our region, with very high temperatures expected. Some of our work needs to be performed outdoors. Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to when temperatures are cooler, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to adapt schedules wherever possible so work can be performed in the morning. Please see the following advice and tips (this applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in other branches of County… Read More
Help our buildings “beat the heat”
Forecasters are calling for warmer than normal temperatures across King County over the next week to 10 days. In order to maintain cooler temperatures in your work spaces, please close your shades and blinds. This helps reduce the heat load and strain on the county’s cooling equipment. The acceptable range for King County building temperatures is 70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. If there are problems with temperatures in your work area, please contact the FMD Customer Care Services Team at customercareservices.fmd@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-9400. For additional information and recommendations to beat the summer heat, see this blog… Read More
At-home COVID-19 tests now covered by your medical plan
Federal guidelines were released last week that require all health plans to pay for FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022. If you’re covered by a King County employee medical plan, see the information below about how to get reimbursed. The processes are still being worked out by the health plans, and plans are working to obtain adequate supplies as soon as possible. For now, be sure to save your receipts for at-home COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022. For SmartCare (Kaiser Permanente)… Read More
Be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, and ice
Updated Tuesday, Dec. 28 Extremely cold temperatures and icy road conditions are forecast for our region this week, so please be prepared for possible commute delays and impacts to business operations. If you work on site, please be prepared for cold weather. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. If you drive, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight. Also, make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. Please remember to wear a mask indoors… Read More
Receiving a replacement vaccination card
To provide verification of vaccine status, employees need to show official documentation. If you have lost your vaccination card, there are several ways to receive a replacement card or official document: For more information about receiving a replacement card, and other frequently asked questions, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine.
Using the online Security Incident Report form and staying safe at work
Every King County employee should feel safe and secure when at work. To achieve this, we remind you to report any threatening behavior or non-emergency incidents for follow-up to the FMD Security Unit using the online Security Incident Report form. You can report incidents that happen at work or on your commute. Also notify your supervisor, manager, and/or director as soon as you can. Additionally, if you see anything or anyone that looks unusual or out of place, please call Facilities Management Division (FMD) Security at 206-296-5000. If it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1 first, then call… Read More
Take care working outdoors during hot weather
(Updated August 12, 2021) Hot weather has arrived with temperatures into the high 90s now upon us. It’s important to take steps to stay cool while continuing to follow mask requirements and public health guidance. Some of our work needs to be performed outdoors. Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to a later time when temperatures moderate, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to adapt schedules wherever possible so work can be performed in the morning. This week’s forecast calls for:… Read More
Tips to stay cool
Originally posted in the Department of Executive Services Express With temperatures already forecast to be above normal this week, keep these tips in mind to stay cool: Keep window blinds or curtains closed when outdoor temperatures skyrocket. This reduces indoor temps and reduces the strain on the HVAC equipment. Keep windows and doors closed in locations with HVAC. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The county recommends against using indoor fans, as they can create “hot zones” in other places in the building and can create a fire hazard. Please don’t block or manipulate air… Read More
Future of Work: Return To In-Person Work
Building on what we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, King County has developed an employee accessible intranet site, The Future of Work, focused on tools, resources, and information. The site helps provide answers to common questions and will be regularly updated with more news and resources. One section, titled Return To In-Person Work, explains in more detail teleworking updates, vaccine and mask guidelines, and answers several frequently asked questions. Although mandatory telework for many employees ended on July 5, 2021, this does not mean everyone will immediately come back to their worksites…. Read More
