When temperatures start reaching the 90s and entering into the triple digits, it becomes more important to take care of yourself and to be aware of signs of heat-related illness.
With the expected spike in temperatures, it’s crucial to know what to do. We’ve compiled a list of tips and information you should know. Please keep in mind to continue practicing social distancing measures.
The Homeless Leadership Coalition has also put together a list of cooling centers open in Central Oregon.
Bend Cooling Centers
From 12-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 26, 27 and July 3, 4 at the First Presbyterian Church,
230 NE 9th Street, Bend, OR. Pets are welcome.
From 12-5pm Monday through Friday, June 28- July 2 at Shepherd’s House, 275 NE 2d Street,
Bend, OR. Pets are welcome.
Helpers and Street Kitchen Collective will provide support to those residing at Hunnell Road
beginning Saturday.
Redmond Cooling Centers
From 11am-6pm on Sunday, June 27 and from 2-6pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at NE
17th and Greenwood, Redmond, OR. Organized by Redmond Collective Action.
From 12-5pm Monday through Friday, June 28-July 2nd at Mountain View Fellowship, 1475
Southwest 35th Street, Redmond, OR. Organized by Redmond Service Providers. Transportation
available via Dial-a-Ride. Pets are welcome.
Madras Cooling Center
The Jefferson County Cooling Center will operate at the Madras Free Methodist Church, 976 S.
Adams, Madras from 12-5pm daily, beginning this Saturday, June 26th through July 4th.
Transportation will be available at the corner of 4th and Maple (behind Sonic) at 11:45 am daily.
Here are some tips to take care of yourself, those around you and pets as well as prepare for wildfire risks during the heatwave.
When it’s hot, you should:
- Drink water and bring extra bottles for yourself and others.
- Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you are thirsty. Talk to your doctor first if you are on water pills.
- Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Use air conditioning or a fan.
- Don’t use a fan to blow extremely hot air on yourself, use it to create cross-ventilation.
- Wear lightweight and loose clothing.
- Avoid using your stove or oven.
- Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day (3-7 p.m.)
Take care of those around you
- Check in on elders and vulnerable neighbors during warm weather — twice a day is best.
- Never leave a person, child or a pet in a hot car.
- Check regularly on how babies and toddlers, seniors, people taking mental health medications and people with heart disease or high blood pressure are doing. See the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
- Share a fan.
- Invite a friend to a splash pad, movie, a mall or museum.
If you must be out in the heat
- Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Rest often in shady areas.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels) and reapply as directed.
- Consider packing a couple extra bottles of water, these could be used for you and your family or anyone you see that looks like they could use a cool drink of water.
- Know that the heat index (what the temperature feels like when humidity is involved) plays a role. When sweat isn’t able to evaporate from the body due to high humidity, the body has difficulty regulating its temperature and cooling itself off. This can lead to heat stroke, cramps and exhaustion.
If you have a pet
- Provide plenty of shade and water.
- Never leave them in a car.
- Learn more tips from the Oregon Humane Society.
Additionally, Deschutes County Health Services encourages all residents to learn the signs and first aid response for heat-related illness. Warning signs and symptoms vary but may include:
For more information on extreme heat, visit: www.deschutes.org/heat