Summer Safety Tips from the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
Extreme heat can be deadly. Climate change will increase the number and intensity of very hot days. Nighttime temperatures may not drop low enough to give relief from the day’s heat. Above all else, community is critical to preventing illness and death in the face of climate change. When it’s extremely hot, be sure to check on your friends, family and neighbors and share these resources with them.
Tips for Heat Safety
- Check on family, friends and neighbors.
- Stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Find a place to cool down, such as a local cooling center, community pools, or fountains and splash pads.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Stock up on fans, air conditioners and sun-blocking curtains.
- Avoid high energy activities or work outside, if possible. Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Never leave a person, child or a pet in a hot car.
- Know that the heat index (what the temperature feels like when humidity is involved) plays a role. When sweat can’t 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.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion like heat cramps, headaches, fatigue, and excess sweating.
- Heat stroke is extremely dangerous, if you experience the following symptoms, call 911: Red, hot, and dry skin and no sweating; Strong and rapid pulse; Extremely high body temperate that exceeds 103 degrees F.
Important note on portable air conditioner safety: Portable air conditioners should only be plugged directly into wall outlets. Using an extension cord or surge protector may cause a fire because they are not rated high enough to safely power a portable unit.
Find a Place to Stay Cool—Regional Cooling Centers
- Cooling Centers in Washington County
- Cooling Centers in Multnomah County
- Cooling Centers in Clackamas County
- Clark County, Washington
Practice Water Safety
For those looking to seek relief from the heat in rivers, lakes and streams remember to stay safe. 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.
Drowning incidents are very common during the summer months, so now is a good time to brush up on these important safety tips to keep your family safe. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 5–14.
Water Safety Tips For Families
- Insist on adult supervision.
- Wear a life jacket.
- Learn swimming and water survival skills.
- Know the weather and water conditions.
- Know what to do in an emergency.
Visit this website to read more detail about water safety tips for families.
Check out this article for more specific information regarding boating safety practices.
Tips for Sun Safety
Practice Sun Safety regularly—Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap! There’s even a song to help you remember these handy sun safety tips!
- Slip on a shirt (and seek shade).
- Slop on sunscreen—you should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher and put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
- Slap on a hat.
- Wrap on your sunglasses!
Read more about sun safety, the damaging effects of UV exposure, and how to check your skin HERE.
What’s Your Sun Safety IQ? Take this quiz to find out.
Click here for more RESOURCES from the Oregon Health Authority for dealing with extreme heat
