With unseasonably warm weather affecting Portland this week we all need to look after ourselves, our neighbors, and our pets. Staying hydrated; avoiding prolonged sun exposure, over-exertion, and heavy meals; and finding a shady, well-ventilated or air-conditioned space to sit out the hottest part of the day will help us all keep cool.

Prolonged periods of warm weather can be dangerous for the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who are ill, especially anyone who experiences breathing difficulty or heart trouble. Those people living alone, on fixed incomes, or without air conditioning may be particularly vulnerable.

Please be a good neighbor and look in on and help anyone living near you who may have difficulty coping with this week’s soaring temperatures.

If you’re looking for a place to go, Portland Parks and Recreation parks, pools, and community centers are among the best places to cool down. Visit http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/ for an online tool to locate the closest facility to you, or check out this Public Service Announcement, which details facility amenities and hours.

The Portland Office of Emergency Management has drafted guidelines for dealing with the hot weather, which can be downloaded from their website at http://portlandonline.com/oem/.

In the event of heat-related emergencies, especially fainting, extraordinary dehydration, inability to catch your breath, or an irregular heartbeat, dial 911. Dial 211 if you need free help to identify or access health and social services.