Via Clackamas County Disaster Management:
With temperatures predicted to reach the 90s this weekend, it is important to take care of yourself. Clackamas County Social Services has compiled a list of tips and information you should know. We also encourage you to sign up to receive Public Alerts. If you need assistance with exploring other resources or services, please connect with an Information and Referral Specialist with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection: 503-650-5622 or clackamasadrc@clackamas.us. They are available Monday-Thursday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Cooling Centers
The county has put together a list of cooling centers throughout the county.
Tips for Staying Safe and Cool in Extreme Heat
When it is hot, you should:
Drink water and bring extra bottles for yourself and others.
Take care of yourself
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. If you need access to an air conditioner, air purifier, or other items to support your health, go to Health Share of Oregon's website.
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 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Avoid eating raw oysters and undercooked shellfish. The warm weather is affecting shellfish in the Pacific Northwest resulting in multiple confirmed cases of vibriosis. Eating raw oysters and other undercooked seafood can increase the chance you will get sick with vibriosis because Vibrio bacteria thrive in coastal waters where oysters are harvested. Learn more on the CDC's website.
Take care of those around you
Check in on older adults and vulnerable neighbors during warm weather — twice a day is best.
Never leave a person, child, or pet in a hot car.
Check regularly on how babies and toddlers, older adults, people taking mental health medications, and people with heart disease or high blood pressure are doing.
Share a fan.
Invite a friend to a splash pad, movie, 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 of 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. The result? heat stroke, cramps, and exhaustion are all likely to happen. Below is a chart from the National Weather Service indicating the levels of the heat index.
If you have a pet
Provide plenty of shade and water.
Never leave them in a car.
Cooling down at county parks
When temperatures rise in the summer, people flock to Clackamas County parks seeking relief from the heat. County parks such as Metzler, Feyrer, Eagle Fern, Barton, Wagonwheel, and Knights Bridge are great places for county residents to stay cool and enjoy outdoor and water-based recreation activities.
Be sure to remember that parking facilities at our parks can quickly fill up on hot summer days, particularly at popular park facilities along the Clackamas River. Some parks have reduced parking capacity this summer due to the need for social distancing. Barton Park in the Boring area and the Carver Boat Ramp on Springwater Road often reach full capacity in the summer months, especially on hot weekend days. When this happens, county parks staff will close the area for a few hours or the rest of the day to help ensure the safety of all visitors. People may want to take alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion near these parks.
The county encourages residents to visit other nearby county parks where less congestion occurs, such as Eagle Fern Park and Metzler Park. They both have areas to cool off in the creek and offer features such as picnicking, hiking, and more.
Staying safe while near water is critical. Tips include:
Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water.
Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing.
Learn swimming and water survival skills.
Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life Jackets.
Always swim in a lifeguarded area.
Always swim with a buddy.
Don’t use alcohol or drugs (including certain prescription medications) before or while swimming, diving, or supervising swimmers.