Extreme Heat Resources and Information
Keep Yourself Safe in Extreme Heat
When temperatures get too high, your risk of heat-related illness increases, as well. Here are some resources to keep you cool, prepared, and aware this summer.
Cooling Centers
Free A/C Units from OHA
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has increased distribution of air conditioning units to at-risk individuals during this hotter than average summer, including older adults, homebound individuals, and those with heat-exacerbated medical conditions.
Those enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan can contact their provider to receive an air conditioner through this program. Learn more.
Heat Rules
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.
Stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible. If your home doesn't have air-conditioning, go to a public library or mall. Take cool showers or baths and wear light, loose-fitting clothes.
Do not leave children or pets in cars. Cars heat up quickly and can be deadly for children or pets left inside, even if the windows are cracked open.
Learn more about how to prevent heat-related illness.
Know the warning signs of heat-related illness.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can look similar but require much different levels of care. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, tiredness or weakness, a fast and weak pulse, and cold, pale, clammy skin. If you or someone else is experiencing heat exhaustion, move to a cool place, sip water, and wear cool, wet cloths.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature of 103 or higher, headache, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, a fast and strong pulse, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911, move them to a cooler space, and help lower their temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do not give them anything to drink.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms.