PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – Oregon and much of the Pacific Northwest are bracing for the first heat wave of the summer. Portland health officials are warning people to take proactive steps to stay cool while Multnomah County is preparing to help those most vulnerable to high temperatures.
Multnomah County Emergency Management prepares supplies for cooling shelters and outreach organizations at a warehouse in Northeast Portland.
Chris Voss, the department’s director, said the site has been the nerve center of the county’s severe weather response for the past three years.
“We’re monitoring this event. Unfortunately, it looks like this event is going to be pretty hot,” Voss said. “Friday, Saturday and Sunday will probably be our hottest days.”
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Voss said they are shipping water bottles, food, blankets and pet supplies. The goal is to help those most vulnerable to the heat.
“There are homeless people who don’t have access to air conditioning during the day, when it can be warmer,” Voss said. “A lot of times we open day rooms and you can see people trying to escape the heat.”
Voss said seniors who don’t have air conditioning are also their biggest concern. He added that the air-conditioned shelters are also aimed at helping that vulnerable population.
“Since the heat dome, the city, county and state have tried to make sure that air conditioners are available to those people so they have that resource as well,” Voss said.
As the county prepares to help those in need stay cool, doctors are warning people to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure, especially over the long weekend.
Dr. Caroline King of Kaiser Permanente said the high heat and the July 4 holiday could create dangerous scenarios.
“I worry about the general population, especially during the holidays,” King said. “People tend to party. They go out and spend a lot of time outdoors, they drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages and they don’t hydrate well. Those are the people we also see who need medical attention.”
King said the community needs to be especially proactive about drinking water or electrolyte-rich beverages this holiday weekend. She also said if you notice yourself or someone else losing consciousness or your body temperature rising to a fever-free level, that’s the time to call 911.
“Exposing yourself to heat for a few minutes is no problem for almost everyone,” King said. “Some people can tolerate longer periods, but vulnerable people, such as the very young, the very old or those with health conditions, should stay in a cool place over the weekend.”
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