Heat wave prompts warnings for people, pets

A heat wave settling into Oregon in coming days has prompted a number of warnings, tip sheets and advice from agencies on how to beat the heat, stay cool and be safe.

First, from the Oregon Health Authority:

As the state’s temperatures break into the triple digits by this weekend, health officials are recommending Oregonians take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses that can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“Summers in Oregon are great and people want to be outdoors, but temperatures at or above 100 degrees can be dangerous,” says Bruce Gutelius, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state epidemiologist at the Public Health Division. “Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real problems that can lead to death, so people need to take precautions to protect their health.”

According to the National Weather Service, the hottest weather of the year throughout Oregon so far is expected to arrive at the end of this week, and continue through the weekend and into next week. The hottest day in the Willamette Valley will be Saturday , when temperatures will reach 100 degrees in lower elevations and get above 90 in higher-elevation areas. Eastern Oregon temperatures will be between 100 and 110 degrees into next week.

The Oregon Public Health Division offers the following tips for staying safe and healthy during extreme heat conditions:

1. Stay cool
— Stay in air-conditioned places when temperatures are high, if possible.

— Limit exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest. Try to schedule activities in the morning and evening.

— Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate, especially during morning and evening hours, and close shades on west-facing windows during the afternoon hours.

— Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.

— Wear loose-fitting clothing to keep cool and protect your skin from the sun .

— Use cool compresses, misting, and cool showers and baths.

— Avoid hot foods and heavy meals; they add heat to the body.

— Never leave infants or children in a parked car. Nor should pets be left in parked cars – they, too, can suffer heat-related illness.

— Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

— Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 when going outside.

2. Stay hydrated
— Regardless of your level of activity, drink plenty of fluids, even if you are not thirsty and especially when working outside.

— Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.

People with a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, or kidney disease may be less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Also, they may be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. People in this category should be closely monitored to make sure they’re drinking enough water, have access to air conditioning and know how to keep cool.

Those who exercise or work outdoors in extreme heat are more likely to become dehydrated and get heat-related illness and should pay particular attention to staying as cool and hydrated as possible.

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From the Oregon Office of Emergency Management:

The National Weather Service in Portland and others have issued an excessive heat watch for the inland areas of Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon from the coast range to the Cascades. The NWS Portland watch is in affect from Friday afternoon through Sunday, June 26 -28.

With temperatures likely to reach 100 degrees and potential for muggy conditions, it is important to be cautious during this abnormally early heat wave.

“While enjoying the weekend, we need to make sure we take heat warnings seriously,” said Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps. “It is important to keep an eye on those who are most vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat like infants and young children, our elderly family members and neighbors, and those with chronic medical conditions.”

Here are some tips from our partners at the National Weather Service for how to beat the heat:

* Avoid exertion during the heat of the day
* Stay hydrated with clear, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids
* Do not leave pets and children in automobiles
* Use caution near rivers or lakes and be sure to wear a life jacket
* Reschedule strenuous activity to early morning or evening
* Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
* Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible
* Keep blinds or shades closed during the day
* Wait until cooler times of day to run dishwashers and clothes dryers
* Instead of using a stove consider a microwave or outdoor grill

Furthermore, to reduce risk during outdoor work, The Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments, and anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location.

“Heat stroke and other heat-related illness is an emergency,” added Phelps. “Call 911 or seek medical attention immediately if you think someone is experiencing health issues due to the heat.”

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From the American Red Cross:

Dangerously hot weather is predicted for Oregon and Southwest Washington over the next few days. Avoid heat-related emergencies and water tragedies by staying informed and using American Red Cross safety tips. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for updates from the National Weather Service.

“High temperatures, humidity and hot, indoor environments can quickly cause heat-related emergencies,” said Troy Jenkins, Red Cross Health & Safety training manager. “Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

The Red Cross has some simple steps to help beat the heat:
* Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. The temperature inside can reach a dangerous level within a few minutes.
* Drink more water than usual – even if you’re not thirsty.
* Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
* Avoid working outdoors; if you must do so, take frequent breaks and use the buddy system.
* Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
* If possible, bring animals inside. If not, frequently check to ensure they are comfortable and have water and a shady place to rest.
* Community cooling centers are available in Portland metropolitan area. Check with your local county office to locate centers near you.
This weekend temperatures are expected to reach record highs, possibly in the triple digits. And with the increased heat, more and more people will take up swimming to cool themselves off.

“Many people will flock to local lakes, rivers, pools, and the coast,” says Brian Hoffmeister, American Red Cross aquatic specialist. “This year Oregon has already experienced a record number of drownings. There are ways to stay safe.”

Helpful tips before rushing to pool parties or rivers and lakes this weekend:
* The water is cold. Cold water can easily lead to hypothermia and put even strong swimmers in a dangerous situation.
* Be careful around moving water which may be much faster and stronger than it appears. This can swiftly push you downstream or exhaust strong swimmers. Be honest with yourself about your swimming abilities.
* Look before you leap! Don’t blindly jump into unfamiliar water. Underwater obstacles can cause significant injury or death. Always jump feet first especially this year with severely low water levels.
* Never swim alone. Always swim with others, preferably in a supervised or lifeguarded area.
* Wear a lifejacket. They are simple to use and can prevent most drowning events. Make sure jackets are properly fitted and contain a U.S. Coast Guard Approved label.
* Know how to respond to a water emergency. Swimmers in distress need help immediately; reach or throw, don’t go. Call 9-1-1.

Additional resources for heat waves, and swimming safely in lakes, rivers and streams are available from the American Red Cross.

The free Red Cross Emergency App provides instant access to expert heat safety tips. Users also have the option of receiving alerts for excessive heat watches, warnings and heat advisories. The Red Cross Pet First Aid App has steps pet owners should take to help keep their furry friends safe during hot weather. People can find the apps in their app store by searching for American Red Cross and at redcross.org/apps.

People can learn how to prevent and respond to heat-related and other emergencies by taking a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED or Advance Child Care Training course. A variety of online and in-class options are available. Course and registration information is available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

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From the Humane Society of Central Oregon:

The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) would like to offer tips on keeping your pet safe in the heat. With record shattering heat expected to exceed 100 degrees, the best spot for your pet is inside a safe, cool house. Dogs and cats cannot cool their body temperatures as efficiently as humans.

If your pet is outside during the day, remember to provide protection from the sun and plenty of fresh water. Remember that older, short muzzle and overweight dogs are more likely to overheat during hot weather. You can provide a wading pool to aid in cooling.
Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Even partially open windows won’t protect your pet from heatstroke.
Exercise your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures and pavement are cool. The paw pads can get injured from the hot pavement and melted tar can get stuck to pad and hair. Pets need exercise but do it in the cooler hours of the day. Press your hand on pavement for 10 seconds, and if it’s not tolerable for you, it’s too hot for your pets.
Dogs in truck beds can suffer injury or heat stroke. Veterinarians know all too well dogs that have fallen out of the truck bed which resulted in severely injured dogs or motor vehicle accidents from people swerving to avoid the dog. If you cannot touch the hot truck bed with your bare hand, your dog should not be on the hot metal. Debris from the road damages eyes.

“Every year, the Humane Society of Central Oregon warns people to keep their pets safe from the dangers of warm temperatures,” says Lynne Ouchida, community outreach manager. “Unfortunately, every year we hear of animals needlessly suffering from heat stroke. When summer heat hits, the City of Bend animal control receive four to eight calls per day regarding dogs left in hot cars.”

The Humane Society of Central Oregon has posters available for businesses and car windshield flyers that educate people on the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars. The educational flyers list the warning signs of a pet suffering from heat exhaustion or stroke.