Tips to Stay Cool

With high temps and sunny skies forecasted over the holiday weekend and into next week, it’s important to keep in mind these safety tips to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.

If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center.

Take cool showers or baths.

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.

If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.

Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.

Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.

If using a mask, use one that is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester. Don’t wear a mask if you feel yourself overheating or have trouble breathing.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1.

HEAT STROKE

• Signs:
  • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally
  • Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.

HEAT CRAMPS

• Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs

HEAT EXHAUSTION

• Signs: 
  • Heavy sweating
  • Paleness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Fast or weak pulse
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fainting
  • Nausea / vomiting

If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour. Visit Heat Illness and First Aid for more info.

Local Cooling Shelters

If you don’t have air conditioning at home, there are many places to cool off here in Multnomah County, like library branches, pools, community centers and interactive fountains. You can use Multnomah County’s interactive map to find one near you.

East Multnomah County Cooling Shelters

Splash Pad at Donald L Robertson City Park | 24300 NE Halsey St, Wood Village, OR 97060

Troutdale Library | 2451 SW Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale, OR 97060

Fairview-Columbia Library | 1520 NE Village St, Fairview, OR 97024

Splash Pad at Blue Lake Regional Park | 21224 NE Blue Lake Rd, Fairview, OR 97024

Gresham Library | 385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham, OR 97030

Splash Pad at Children’s Fountain | 401 NE Second St, Gresham, OR 97030

Gresham Senior Center | 600 NE 8th St Room 130, Gresham, OR 97030

Rockwood Library | 17917 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97233

Splash Pad at Rockwood Market Hall | 458 SE 185th Ave, Gresham, OR 97030

Swim & Splash Safely

When the weather turns warmer, many people seek relief in rivers, lakes and streams. But natural waterways can be dangerous, especially in late spring and early summer. Be aware of swift currents, cool water temperatures, hidden hazards, and uneven bottom surfaces.

Life jackets & swim lessons

Map of beaches with loaner life jackets

How to select the right life jacket

Metro lists swimming classes