Temperatures are expected to soar here in Portland, Oregon, reaching into the 90’s over this weekend and then cooling off later into next week.

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) encourages you to “keep your cool” during the heatwave: 

1. Slow Your Pace - Don't over exert yourself. Slow your pace and choose the coolest time of day for outdoor physical activity.
2. Stay Indoors - If there is no air-conditioning in the home, avoid the upper floors. Remember, heat naturally rises.  If you must run errands, be sure to take a bottle of water with you or keep a cooler in your car.
3. Drink Plenty of Water - Avoid dehydrating beverages (caffeinated drinks and alcohol).
4. Wear White - Choose white or lighter color clothing over black and darker shades that tend to absorb the heat, whereas white reflects the heat.
5. Eat Less - Avoid eating large meals. Eating more frequently with smaller portions will be more easily digested.
6. Rest - Lay down for a few minutes with a refrigerated face mask to refresh your body.
7. Use a fan - Although fans do not lower temperatures, they will help circulate stagnant air and do help cool the body by evaporating sweat.

Simple measures such as the ones listed above can be taken to significantly reduce the chance of getting heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

Please take precautions against heat related incidents.  Remember, everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. PF&R asks everyone with elderly family members or neighbors to check on them throughout this heatwave and make sure that they are utilizing air conditioning or make other arrangements for them to stay cool and hydrated.

  Portland Fire & Rescue We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  August 12, 2010