Posted
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 17, 2016
The most vulnerable individuals are those who work or exercise outdoors, adults over 65, infants and children under four, the homeless or poor, and people with chronic medical conditions.
"Find a place to stay cool. Consider visiting a library or indoor shopping mall to get away from the heat," says Deputy Health Officer Dr. Christina Baumann. "Older adults can be especially vulnerable and are encouraged to visit their local senior center if they don't have air conditioning at home. Check on your neighbors, too."
Several organizations are opening their doors or extending hours of operation to help people stay safe and cool over the next few days.- Tualatin Public Library will be open extended hours from 10 a.m. –9 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. –8:30 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. –8:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 p.m. –6 p.m. on Sunday. Free family-friendly activities will be provided. The library is located at 18878 SW Martinazzi Avenue. TriMet route numbers: 76, 96 and 97 plus WES
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Athletic Center will be open from 6 a.m. –10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 8 a.m. –10 p.m. on Saturday. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Athletic Center is located at 15707 SW Walker Road. TriMet route numbers: 59 and 67
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Cedar Hills Recreation Center will be open from 5:30 a.m. –10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 8 a.m. –4 p.m. on Saturday. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Cedar Hills Recreation Center is located at 11640 SW Parkway. TriMet route numbers: 20 and 59
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center will be open from 5:30 a.m. –10 p.m. on Thursday, 5:30 a.m. –8:30 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. –6 p.m. on Saturday. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center is located at 9985 SW 125th. TriMet route numbers: 62 and 92
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Garden Home Recreation Center will be open from 5:30 a.m. –10 p.m. on Thursday, 5:30 a.m. –8:30 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. –4 p.m. on Saturday. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Garden Home Recreation Center is located at 7475 SW Oleson Road. TriMet route number: 45
Stay cool
- Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible.
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device when it is very hot.
- Avoid strenuous activities in the heat of the day.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. Find a splash pad or fountain.
- Don't use your stove, oven, washer or dryer on very hot days.
- Eat small, light meals.
- Close your blinds and curtains to keep sunlight out.
- If the temperature falls at night, open your windows to let the cool air in.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially while working or exercising outside.
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
Pets: Remember that pets are part of the family, too. "Dogs have more trouble handling hot weather than humans do, so watch them carefully," says Deborah Wood, manager of Washington County Animal Services and the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter. Signs that your pet is headed toward medical trouble include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If you see these signs, contact your veterinarian's office. Dogs with flat faces (such as pugs and bulldogs) need special care during hot weather and can quickly go into heat stroke if allowed to become too warm.
Media Contact:
Wendy Gordon, Communications Coordinator/PIO503-846-3634
[email protected]