American Red Cross braces for record heat across Oregon over holiday weekend, urges four steps to stay safe

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- We are on track to break high temperature records in Oregon and SW Washington over the next couple of days. This creates a health risk for vulnerable populations and should be taken seriously.

Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event. In addition to that, the climate crisis is making extreme heat events more frequent, more severe, and last longer.

The American Red Cross recommends taking four steps to stay safe in extreme heat: 

• Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks, and avoid the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle alone.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade.
• Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public library, shopping mall or public cooling center. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.
• Organize supplies in a Go Kit or Stay-at-Home Kit.  In the event of a power outage, have supplies including batteries and chargers for your devices like flashlights, cell phones, CPAP machines, wheelchairs, etc. Have fresh water, nonperishable foods, and medications on hand. 

Learn more extreme weather tips HERE.

Pic/graphic: HERE

Red Cross Emergency App HERE

The all-inclusive Emergency App combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe including information about what to do in case of floods, thunderstorms, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires and more. The emergency alerts are available for the user’s location and to monitor where friends and family live. A single map provides open Red Cross shelter locations and weather information. Download HERE.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, including 65 hospitals in the Northwest; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or www.CruzRojaAmericana.org or follow us on social media.