‘A real danger’: OHA shares heat safety tips as Portland braces for scorching temps

‘A real danger’: OHA shares heat safety tips as Portland braces for scorching temps
‘A real danger’: OHA shares heat safety tips as Portland braces for scorching temps
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – It’s about to get really hot in Portland. With forecasts warning of temperatures approaching 100 degrees, you’ll need a plan to stay safe.

A KOIN 6 Weather Alert will go into place both Sunday and Monday

for temperatures over 95 degrees. Portland and all of the Willamette Valley have been placed under an “Extreme Heat Warning” by the Portland National Weather Service.

To prevent the likelihood of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the Oregon Health Authority recommends finding ways to beat the heat.

“Our experience with the 2021 heat dome taught us that extreme temperatures are a real danger in Oregon,” said Gabriela Goldfarb with OHA’s Public Health Division. “We can prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths by recognizing their symptoms, taking steps to stay safe, and caring for our vulnerable family members and friends.”

OHA shares the following tips to stay safe:

  • Stay in air-conditioned places if possible and limit sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day (typically from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening.
  • Use portable fans to bring in cooler air and push warmer air out of rooms and spaces, but don’t use portable fans as the primary cooling source if indoor temperatures are above 90 degrees, because that can bring on heat stroke.
  • People who don’t have air conditioners can find cooler indoor air with friends or family, or at designated cooling centers, when available. 
  • Use cool compresses, misting, and cool showers and baths, and wear loose fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working outside, avoid alcohol or liquids with large amounts of sugar, and limit caffeine intake. 
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in parked cars.

Experts also advocate for knowing the signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, sweating, nausea and more. In serious cases of heat stroke, body temperatures can reach more than 103 degrees and are typically accompanied with a severe headache, confusion, or a loss of consciousness.

Heat-related illness can develop in less than 15 minutes, according to OHA. If you or anyone you know exhibits signs of severe illness, call 911.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our weather coverage.


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