Oregon cities prepare for a very hot Fourth of July weekend

Weather forecasters are predicting a heat wave across much of Oregon starting Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching triple-digits over the weekend. Highs could get up to 104 in Portland and Bend, and even hotter in Salem.

“There is a 20% probability of temperatures hitting 110 degrees on the 5th and 6th [of July],” said Greg Walsh, Marion County’s emergency management director.

Cities prepare for the heat wave

Many cities across the state utilize cooling centers, often at public libraries or malls, that vulnerable people can go to during a heat wave, though not all are open yet.

Cities like Silverton and Salem are already making sure people have access to lots of cooling shelters.

In Bend, cooling packs are being prepared to hand out to people living outdoors and older adults. They contain essentials like water and cooling towels.

In Portland, Multnomah County is keeping an eye on the temperatures to decide whether or not emergency shelters are necessary.

“The day before we would open, we make a final decision,” said Chris Voss, the director of emergency management with Multnomah County. “Because we are always watching the weather and sometimes it can shift.”

Cooling centers are also available in Clackamas and Washington counties, and both recommend calling 211 to confirm which locations are open.

Staying safe in the heat

There are tried-and-true ways of staying safe in the heat, like avoiding the sun and staying hydrated. Though it can be easy to forget to do so.

“Sometimes when we’re out having fun in the water or distracted by other things, we tend to kind of forget to drink a lot of water,” said Emily Horton with Deschutes County Public Health.

There can be a few pitfalls when trying to stay cool too. For example, the federal government warns people not to rely solely on a fan as their primary cooling device. While fans generate air flow, officials say they can create a false sense of comfort because they don’t meaningfully reduce body temperature.

Authorities say it’s better to identify places at home or in the community to go to get cool, like the basement or a cooling center.

“If you don’t have air conditioning, really look for either someone to help or a location to go to,” Walsh said. “Keeping pets off hot pavement can be really helpful as well.”

Walsh also noted that a cool shower or bath is “really helpful” if someone is overheating.

Other best practices include ensuring pets or people aren’t left in closed cars, wearing loose, lightweight clothing and a hat with a wide brim, staying in the shade, drinking plenty of fluids and checking on vulnerable people in the community.

Health concerns as temperatures rise

As temperatures rise, health care providers are also recommending people watch for the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat rash, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“Heat exhaustion happens when your body isn’t able to regulate its own temperature, and it begins to rise. This can happen when you’re working out rigorously or when you’re doing yard work outside on a hot day,” Dr. Caroline King-Widdall said in a statement from Kaiser Permanente.

King-Widdall warned that while anyone can be at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, some are at higher risk, like babies, children and older adults.

“If heat exhaustion isn’t addressed it can lead to heat stroke, which is more serious,” she said.

Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees, red, hot and dry skin, a rapid pulse and dizziness or confusion. People with these symptoms are encouraged to call 911.

People with chronic illnesses who take certain medications that make them more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays may also be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and should take precautions.

Working in the heat

Postal carriers, police officers and others who work outside in the summer are also at a higher risk of heat stroke.

In a statement Tuesday, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) told employers to follow requirements designed to help protect workers from extreme heat.

“Employers need to take the potential dangers of heat illness seriously, which means exercising vigilance and focusing on prevention,” said Renée Stapleton, an administrator for Oregon OSHA.

“We have many free resources to help them comply with our specific requirements, including practical guidance and helpful online trainings they can use now.”

The state requires employers to provide adequate water, rest, shade, training and acclimatization, which involves gradually adapting the body to work in the heat.