Extreme Heat Expected Across Oregon This Weekend: Residents Urged to Take Precautions

SALEM, Ore. - The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Watches, Warnings, and Advisories for parts of Oregon as dangerously high temperatures are forecast to impact the region this weekend. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urge all Oregonians to take steps to protect themselves, their families, and neighbors-especially older adults, young children, people with disabilities, outdoor workers, pregnant people, and those without access to air conditioning.

Know the Alerts & What to Do

• Extreme Heat Warning - Take Action! Extremely dangerous heat is expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially midday. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, and check on family and neighbors.
• Extreme Heat Watch - Be Prepared! Extreme heat is possible in the future. Prepare to suspend outdoor activities and identify nearby cooling shelters or friends/family with AC.
• Heat Advisory - Take Action! Heat will be dangerous but may not reach warning levels. Limit time outdoors, especially during the hottest part of the day, and stay in cool spaces as much as possible.

Recognize and Respond to Heat Illness

Heat-related illness can develop quickly and impair judgment. Knowing the signs and what to do can save lives.

Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea
• Action: Move to a cool place, hydrate, and apply cool wet towels. (Do not immerse in cold water-this can cause shock.)

Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)

• Symptoms: Confusion, high body temperature, loss of consciousness, damp or dry skin.
• Action: Call 911 immediately

Learn more: Heat Cramps, Exhaustion, Stroke.

Stay Cool and Safe

• Find Cooling Resources: Call 211 or visit 211info.org/summer-and-heat-related-resources.
• 211 core hours: Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Sunday, noon-11 p.m. (extended hours during extreme heat)
• Call 211 for transportation options to cooling locations.
• Check on vulnerable people-including those who live alone.
• Hydrate frequently-avoid sugary/alcoholic drinks.
• Wear loose, light-colored, breathable clothing.
• Take cool showers or spend time in air-conditioned spaces.
• Close windows during the day, open at night (unless wildfire smoke is present).
• Never leave people or pets in vehicles.
• Limit physical activity during peak heat hours.

If you're concerned about someone's safety, call your local police non-emergency line for a welfare check, or call 911 if immediate help is needed.

Fire Safety & Energy Conservation

High heat increases fire danger and strains the power grid.

Prevent Wildfires:

• Follow local burn bans
• Report unsafe conditions immediately

Conserve Energy:

• Avoid running major appliances during peak hours (morning and evening)
• Reduce electricity use to help prevent power outages
• Report price gouging of essential goods or lodging:
  Consumer Protection - Oregon Department of Justice : Consumer Protection
  
  

Stay informed: Sign up for alerts at ORAlert.gov and check forecasts on the NWS HeatRisk page.

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