With triple-digit temps, staying cool takes creativity

The 2013 American Housing Survey says about two-thirds of residences in the U.S. have central air conditioning, but only 15.9 percent of homes have it in the metropolitan areas of Seattle, Tacoma and Everett.

Others in Seattle paddle kayaks or ride boats on city lakes and Puget Sound — bodies of water that divide and border the city.

Rey Lopez, president of the kayak and paddleboard rental Agua Verde Paddle Club in Seattle, said as soon as the weather turns to summer, he can see up to a thousand customers a day.

Authorities say drinking large amounts of water - especially before becoming thirsty - is crucial to staying hydrated.

A bowl of water doesn't always suffice, and some vets say filling a kiddie pool with water for outdoor pets is a better option.

Doug Traub, a Lake Havasu City resident, said the obvious draw to cool down is the lake, scuba diving, relaxing on a boat, jet skiing or floating around on a tube.