With seven suspected heat-related deaths reported across the state, officials continue to remind people of ways they can stay safe and cool.
A person dips their feet in the Director Park fountain in downtown Portland, Ore., July 9, 2024. After several days of above-average heat, temperatures in Portland reached triple digits on Tuesday.
Anna Lueck / OPB
The top recommendation includes taking advantage of air conditioning units. But some don’t have units in their homes, and access is limited. “There’s not enough air conditioner units for everyone who needs one. Like any other thing in high demand, it gets more challenging to get units as heat continues,” said Ed Flick, the director of the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management.
The Office of Resilience and Emergency Management has been working with the Oregon Health Authority and other partners to disperse free AC units to community-based organizations and homes.
So far, they’ve delivered more than 2,000 units to community-based organizations and households. They have almost that many requests to fulfill.
Flick says the state is working hard to equitably deliver the units to people disproportionately affected by the heat. Last week, OHA released several tips people can follow to help survive the extreme heat, regardless if they have air conditioning or not.
Cooling tips:
- Visit friends with AC or cooling centers.
- Libraries and shopping centers can be places to cool off.
- Use portable electric fans to push hot air out of rooms or draw in cooler air, but don’t rely on a fan as a primary cooling device.
- Use cool compresses, misting and cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
- Limit exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when temperatures are hottest, and avoid direct sunlight.
- Drink lots of fluids; avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages that can dehydrate you.
- Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car.
- Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors several times a day.
Oregon Health Plan members may be eligible to receive climate-control devices like air conditioners, mini refrigeration units and portable power supplies.
To see if you qualify for a free cooling device, visit Oregon Health Authority’s Air Conditioner and Air Filter Deployment Program.
Anyone who needs help finding a cool space can call 211 or visit 211info.org.