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02 – Urgent Info – Heat Emergency – Cooling Shelters – Air Conditioners – Health and Safety Information – Multi Language Videos

 

Heat Emergency – Cooling Centers – Health and Safety Information – 2022

The National Weather Service this weekend issued an excessive Heat Watch(link is external) beginning Monday, June 25, through Friday, warning of dangerously hot conditions with temperatures that could potentially exceed 100 degrees for three or more days in the row. Overnight lows are expected in the mid to upper 60s, providing little relief for those without air conditioning.

“This heat wave is going to last for several days. And with little relief at night, the risks are going to be compounded,” said Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury. “We’ve been preparing for this event, getting cooling spaces ready and getting supplies, including cooling units and survival gear, to those most in need. It’s not too late to make a plan and to check on your neighbors and loved ones.”

“The City of Portland is preparing to protect our most vulnerable residents during this approaching heat wave, and are working with our regional partners to ensure that there is a place for everyone at a cooling center,” said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler(link is external). “Start getting prepared now, and don’t forget to check on your neighbors.”

Cool Spaces

The City and County are preparing overnight cooling shelters beginning Tuesday, and select library branches will also have extended hours. Details about those locations will be released this week. But until then, people can visit other spaces to get a break from the heat.

Many libraries are open until 8 p.m.(link is external) Monday:

Find those and other cool community spaces near you on our interactive cool spaces map: tinyurl.com/coolplacesmultco(link is external)

Transportation

Beginning Monday, and for the extent of the emergency declaration, Trimet will not turn away anyone riding to a cool place who cannot afford to pay fare. TriMet asks riders to let their driver know they are headed to a cool place.

When riding transit during extreme heat, riders will want to plan extra time and check trimet.org/alerts(link is external) before traveling, as there may be heat-related delays to service.Anyone who needs transportation support to a cool space can also dial 2-1-1(link is external).

Take Care

Health officials are making three recommendations today, ahead of next week’s heat:

Reach out: Who do you know who is older, lives alone and may not have a working air conditioning? Of those who died during last year’s heat waves, 78% were 60 or older; 71% lived alone. Only 10 had AC units, 7 of which were malfunctioning or unplugged. Make a plan today to help these people get breaks from the heat next week. And plan to check back in on the, frequently, until temperatures drop.

Prepare food today: Who wants to boil or bake indoors when it’s sweltering outside? During the height of the oncoming heat, avoid using your oven or stove and ditch hot foods and heavy meals. Today is a good time to plan for the heat by cooking your meals now. That way, when the hot weather sets in, all you need to do is reheat meals in the microwave, or simply choose foods that don’t need a heat source.

Open your windows: Sleep with the windows open tonight, or set an alarm to wake up when the temperatures outside are cooler than indoors. Keep up that schedule until temperatures drop.

Heat Illness and First Aid

Heat illness can affect anyone and we should all watch for symptoms in ourselves and others during warm weather.

Heat illness is more common under certain conditions and for individuals with certain risk factors. High temperatures, direct sun exposure, lack of wind or breeze, and exposure to hot surfaces such as blacktop streets or hot machinery increase the risk of heat illness.

Personal risk factors can also increase the likelihood of heat illness, such as dehydration, not being physically ready for an activity, not taking enough breaks during strenuous activity or during extreme temperatures.

People are also at greater risk who have diabetes or heart disease, who have larger bodies or take certain medications including diuretics, muscle relaxers or medications for: blood pressure, allergies, depression or psychosis, diarrhea, dizziness.

If you believe someone has heat exhaustion, get them water and into a cool place immediately. If symptoms persist or worsen to heat stroke, call 911 and follow the supportive measures below until help arrives.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms

  • Heavy sweating
  • Dizziness or feeling faint
  • Weakness or muscle cramps
  • Clammy or pale skin
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Shallow or rapid breathing

What to do

  • Remove excess clothing
  • Rest in a cool area
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Have a sports drink or salty snack to replace salt and minerals lost through sweat.
  • Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath

Heat Stroke

Symptoms

  • Red, hot skin
  • Rapid pulse
  • Heavy sweating (may be absent)
  • Severe headache
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Body temperature of 103 or higher

What to do

  1. Call 9-1-1
  2. Move to an air-conditioned space
  3. Cool down with cold towels and ice
  4. Offer water only if fully conscious
Sources of information to Bookmark

2-1-1 info(link is external): Call to find cool spaces nearest you, learn cooling centers open, and for transportation support.

National Weather Service(link is external): Check the forecast and plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of day.

Cool places in Multnomah County(link is external): Find a library, community center, pool or splash pad near you.

Cool places in Clackamas County(link is external): Find cool spaces in Clackamas County.

Cool places in Washington County(link is external): Find cool spaces in Washington County.

Air Conditioning and Energy Assistance
You may also be able to speak with your health care provider about health related needs such as air conditioners.  Assistance may be available from local resources or a medical benefit through the Oregon Health Plan. For more information go to the Care Oregon website:  https://www.careoregon.org/members/more-careoregon-services/health-related-services
Have A Backup Plan For Heat Emergencies
Ready. Gov recommends that everyone have a backup plan for emergencies of all kinds, including extreme heat. Your plan should include what you can do before a heat emergency and how to safe during the crisis. For important items consider when creating a backup plan for heat emergencies visit https://www.ready.gov/heat
  • How to keep  your home cool and what to do if it gets too hot.
  • How to stay safe during a heat emergency
  • How to recognize and respond to heat related illness
Responding to Extreme Heat For the Disabled
Disability Rights of Oregon warns that extreme weather can be a threat to people living it disabilities.  Use these links to learn more about the risks and respond to them.
Disability Rights of Oregon provides tips to help the disabled to stay safe and healthy

Drink a lot of water!

Many people don’t realize how much faster they get dehydrated when the heat is so intense. Some people have disabilities that may keep them from realizing how dehydrated they are. Avoid alcohol and energy drinks, as they can actually dehydrate you further.

Go to the coolest place in your home

Find the coolest place to be in your home. Downstairs will usually be cooler than upstairs. Shadier places will be cooler than sunny places. Consider pulling curtains over windows facing the sun.

If you don’t have a home with air-conditioning, consider going to a public place with air conditioning, like a library, shopping center, theater, or other public building. Many public buildings around the state are open as cooling centers.

Make a backup plan

Make a backup plan to stay cool. Make a plan for what to do if your home gets too hot. Even if you have air-conditioning, have a plan for what to do if the power goes out. Cooling centers and other public buildings are a good alternative.

Check the temperature in your home regularly

If you’re staying in a home without air-conditioning, use a thermometer or your thermostat to check the temperature in your home regularly. Some people who have disabilities and some people who are older have difficulty telling when their home has gotten too hot. As the temperature climbs, consider using a cooling center or other air-conditioned place for relief.

Beware parked cars!

Do not sit in a parked car, do not leave children in a parked car, and do not leave service animals, emotional support animals, or pets in a parked car! In intense heat and sunlight, it is not safe to stay in a parked car for any period of time, except with the engine on and the air-conditioning running.

The hottest part of the day

In Oregon, the hottest part of the day is usually between noon and evening. Take special care to stay cool and limit your activity during that time. If you choose to be active, early morning and late evening may be better times to be active. Letting in cool air overnight can help keep your home from overheating.

Check in with your network

If you live alone, check in with family, friends, neighbors, and other supports regularly throughout the weekend.

Extreme Heat Can Make Asphalt Dangerous to animals and people!

Even under normal, temperatures can heat asphalt surfaces to and cause contact burns on the feet of animals and people. At only 87 Degrees, asphalt can heat to 143 Degrees Fahrenheit! But at 125 Degrees, skin can be destroyed in 60 seconds. Take steps to protect your animals feet and your own and to avoid heat stroke. Avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day, and make sure your dogs and other animals have access to shade and clean water.

Take Care of Yourself and Others During Hot Weather

https://www.multco.us/help-when-its-hot/take-care-yourself-and-others-during-hot-weather

Videos on How to Beat the Heat

Additional Resources
For additional resources:
  • Contact your county or city government
  • Local churches

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this communication, nor any content linking to or from this communication, is intended to substitute for medical or professional advice of any kind whatsoever.  Information is provided solely as a courtesy without warranties or guarantees of any kind whatsoever.  Nothing in this communication is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or mitigate any disease, illness, or condition, and nothing has been evaluated by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration).  You are hereby notified and advissed to seek counsel from qualified persons at your own risk and expense.