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Temperatures likely to break records this weekend – Washington County offers resources for staying safe and healthy

Where to stay cool and tips for staying safe and healthy during the upcoming heatwave
Media release
Health and Human Services
Public Health

Posted

For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 24, 2021

Sponsored by: Health and Human Services Department, Public Health Division

Temperatures likely to break records this weekend – Washington County offers resources for staying safe and healthy


The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for our area. The Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday through 11 p.m. Monday. Dangerously hot afternoon high temperatures of 98°F to 103°F with some local areas experiencing 103°F to 108°F are expected Saturday through Monday.

According to the Portland office of the National Weather Service, high temperatures will run 20-30 degrees above normal for late June. Overnight lows will also be unseasonably warm, limiting the amount of relief from the heat and contributing to increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

Community members are urged to check in with family, friends and neighbors, especially older adults and people with chronic medical problems, as they are more vulnerable to heat-related illness. Older adults who need transportation to a cooling center or other assistance can call the Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 503-846-3060 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Or visit ADRC’s website.

If you don’t have air conditioning at home, try to spend as much time as you can where air conditioning is used. Some options for community members include:

  • Wingspan Event and Conference Center, located at 801 NE 34th Avenue in Hillsboro, will be open as a cooling center Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. This is a pet-friendly location. Be sure to bring your pet in a crate, along with collar, leash, ID tags, comfort items, food and bowls. Water will be available.
  • The Beaverton City Library will open their Cathy Stanton Meeting Room as a cooling center Saturday and Sunday from 6-8 p.m. and Monday from 7-9 p.m. This is in addition the library's regular operating hours.
  • Some other county libraries are open as well. Visit Washington County Cooperative Library Services website for hours of operation.
  • Boys & Girls Aid Safe Place for Youth is open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. for anyone ages 12-20. The organization is located at 454 SE Washington Street in Hillsboro and has air conditioning, food, cold water, showers and recreational activities. The site allows up to three drop-in youth at one time to allow for safe physical distancing. Masks must be worn except when eating in the dining area.
  • Indoor shopping malls are a good place to stay cool, as are movie theaters and other indoor entertainment and dining establishments. Call ahead or look online to see what restrictions are in place due to COVID-19.

Visit the cooling center map for the most up to date information.

In addition to staying in air-conditioned locations as much as possible, community members are also urged to:

  • Avoid using fans as your primary cooling device especially when it gets extremely hot inside. Instead, mist yourself with a spray bottle, and then use the fan to get the cooling benefits of evaporation. Disability, Aging and Veteran Services has a limited supply of free electric fans for individuals ages 60 and up in Washington County. Call 503-846-3060. (Update: all fans are gone.)
  • Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water is best. Limit sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
  • Exercise in the early morning when it’s cooler.
  • Avoid strenuous activity in the heat of the day.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Close your blinds and curtains to keep sunlight out.
  • Keep an eye on the temperature, and open your windows late at night or first thing in the morning to let some cooler air in. Then close up again to keep the cooler air inside.
  • Get a baby pool or play in a sprinkler. Many splash pads and spraygrounds that offer relief from the heat are not operating due to the chlorine shortage currently impacting the region. Check this website for locations and to see which ones might be operating.
  • Avoid using your stove/oven or doing laundry.
  • Eat small, light meals.
  • Never leave children or pets in cars.
  • Wear a lifejacket and take other safety precautions in rivers and lakes. More information on water safety is available on the Red Cross webpage.

Heat-related illness can be extremely dangerous, even deadly. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.html to learn about signs, symptoms and treatment.

Washington County will post any urgent updates at www.StayCoolWashingtonCounty.com.

Media Contact:

Wendy Gordon, Dept. Communications Coordinator/PIO
503-849-9117
[email protected]