Stay Safe and Healthy During this Weekend’s Hot Spell

For Immediate Release: Friday, June 03, 2016

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for this weekend. Forecasters are predicting temperatures to reach 96-101 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday throughout the Portland metro area.

Washington County Public Health is reminding people to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and claiming more lives each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. The most vulnerable individuals are those who work or exercise outdoors, adults over 65, infants and children under four, the homeless or poor, and people with chronic medical conditions.

"Find a place to stay cool. Consider visiting a library or indoor shopping mall to get away from the heat," says Deputy Health Officer Dr. Christina Baumann. "This is especially true for older adults, as they are particularly vulnerable in this kind of heat."

Cooling Centers and Extended Hours

• Boys & Girls Aid Safe Place for Youth will serve as a cooling center for youth ages 12-19 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. (or later if necessary) on both Saturday and Sunday. Food and water provided. Youth may participate in daily programming and recreational activities. The facility is located at 454 SE Washington Street in Hillsboro, right on the MAX line.
• Shute Park Aquatic and Recreation Center lobby area will be available Saturday 7 a.m. –5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. –5:30 p.m. The center is located at 953 SE Maple Street in Hillsboro.
• Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District facilities:
• • Elsie Stuhr Center: Saturday 9 am-5pm; Sunday closed. 5550 SW Hall Blvd
  • Athletic Center: Saturday 8am-10pm; Sunday 10am-10pm 15707 SW Walker Road
  • Cedar Hills Recreation Center: Saturday 8am-4pm;Sunday 10am-4pm 11640 SW Parkway
  • Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center: 8am-6pm Sunday 9am-6pm 9985 SW 125th Ave.
  • Garden Home Recreation Center: 8am-4pm; Sunday 9am-4pm 7475 SW Oleson Road.
• Tualatin Public Library will be open extended hours from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 1–8 p.m. on Sunday. The library is located at 18878 SW Martinazzi Ave.
• Additional facilities will be posted at http://www.co.washington.or.us/HHS/hot-weather.cfm as information comes in.

Take these precautions in extreme heat:

Stay cool

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device when it is very hot.
• Avoid strenuous activities in the heat of the day.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
• Don't use your stove, oven, washer or dryer on very hot days.
• Eat small, light meals.
• Close your blinds and curtains to keep sunlight out.
• If the temperature falls at night, open your windows (if it is safe to do so) to let the cool air in.

Stay hydrated        

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.

Stay informed

• Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
• For symptoms and treatment of heat-related illnesses, visit http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp.

Pets: Remember that pets are part of the family, too. "Dogs have more trouble handling hot weather than humans do, so watch them carefully," says Deborah Wood, manager of Washington County Animal Services and the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter. Signs that your pet is headed toward medical trouble include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If you see these signs, contact your veterinarian's office. Dogs with flat faces (such as pugs and bulldogs) need special care during hot weather and can quickly go into heat stroke if allowed to become too warm.

Never Leave Pets in Hot Cars: Leaving pets in cars when temperatures approach 100 degrees can result in injury or death in a matter of minutes. If you see a pet in a hot car that appears lethargic, unable to move or sick, it could be a medical emergency. "Don't break into the car. Instead, call 911 right away," says Wood. "The police will either respond directly or coordinate with Animal Services to send help." If an animal suffers medical problems as a result of being left in a hot car, its owner may face animal neglect charges. "Depending on the circumstances, the person could face fines of up to $1,000 or even could face jail time and the loss of ownership of their pets," says Wood.

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