Extreme temperatures
Summers are getting hotter in the Portland metro area. The average number of days over 90 degrees has gone up—from 11 days a year in the past to our new normal of 22 days a year. Because of this, there is also an increase in heat-related complications.
Each winter, over a thousand people nationwide die from exposure to the cold. An increase in vehicle accidents, fires, falls and heart attacks during this time makes winter’s threats hard to ignore.
Hot weather
Temperature alone doesn’t determine how hot it is. Humidity can make the heat worse. The National Weather Service has a handy Heat Index you can reference to see how hot it really is. Over-exposure to heat can cause physical harm. Below are some of the most common heat-induced conditions and how to treat them until medical care is available.
Tips for staying safe in the heat
- Slow down and avoid too much activity.
- Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing made from natural, breathable fabric.
- Do the most exerting work during the coolest parts of the day.
- Take more breaks than you normally would; allow time to cool down and hydrate.
- Drink water frequently—enough that you never get thirsty.
- Don’t get too much sun. Sunburned skin can’t get rid of heat as quickly.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks and drinks with caffeine. They use up your water reserves and don’t let your body cool down.
Read the Take 5 Emergency Supplies flyer for tips on stocking your car with hot weather items.
Signs and symptoms:
- Faint or dizzy
- Excessive sweating
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
For heat exhaustion: Get to a cooler, air-conditioned place. Drink water if fully conscious. Take a cool shower or use cold compress.
Signs and symptoms:
- Throbbing headache, may lose consciousness
- No sweating
- Body temp above 103, red, hot, dry skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid, strong pulse
For heat stroke: Call 911. Take immediate action to cool the person until help arrives.
Cold weather
Temperature alone doesn’t determine how cold it is. Wind speed can make the cold worse. The National Weather Service has a handy Wind Chill chart you can reference to see how cold it really is. Over-exposure to cold can cause physical harm. Below are some of the most common cold-induced conditions and how to help until medical care is available.
Tips for staying safe in the cold
- Dress for the weather.
- Take it easy. Avoid working too hard in the cold.
- Be careful when using alternative sources for heat and cooking. Keep anything that can burn three feet away from heat. Do not heat your home with a gas range or oven. Do not use charcoal grills, gas grills or camp stoves indoors. They all produce harmful, odorless gases that can be deadly.
- Check weather forecasts before traveling and adjust your travel time to avoid winter weather.
- Drive slowly and increase your following distance to stay safe on the road.
- The most dangerous time to drive is when the temperature is near freezing 32°F (0°C).
Read the Take 5 Emergency Supplies flyer for tips on stocking your car with cold weather items.
Signs and symptoms:
- Redness or pain in any skin area may be the first sign of frostbite
- White or grayish-yellow skin area
- Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
- Numbness
Signs and symptoms:
Adults
- Shivering, fumbling hands
- Exhaustion, drowsiness
- Confusion, memory loss, slurred speech
Infants
- Bright red, cold skin
- Very low energy
If a person’s temperature is below 95 degrees, get medical attention immediately.
Know the difference
When the National Weather Service warns of hot or cold weather, know the terms.
Watch: Be Prepared
A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for dangerous temperatures.
Advisory: Take Action
An advisory is issued within 12 - 24 hours of the onset of dangerous temperatures.
Warning: Take Action
A warning is issued within 12 – 24 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous temperatures.
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