Though our recent heatwave set all-time record high temperatures, summers in Tigard routinely include a few days over 100 degrees. Prepare yourself and your family for these hot days using the information below. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of severe heat-related illnesses.
Tips on Staying Cool
- Keep your home cooler in the daytime by closing all drapes and blinds.
- If your home has a second story, try to stay downstairs as much as possible since temperatures can be much higher on upper levels.
- If safe, open all windows during the cooler nighttime hours to allow your home to cool down.
- If you cannot cool your home to safe temperatures, consider staying with a friend or at a hotel that has air-conditioning available.
- Find an air-conditioned location like a local shopping mall if you don’t have air conditioning at home. Take a folding chair with you.
- Municipalities like Tigard also open cooling centers in severe heat emergencies. Watch for announcements about cooling centers.
Things to Do During a Heat Emergency
- Wear loose and lightweight clothing.
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Stick to water and electrolyte replacement drinks like Gatorade, etc.
- Eat cool meals – don’t add to the heat by using your stove or oven.
- Check on friends and neighbors to be sure they’re doing OK.
- Never leave someone or a pet alone inside a vehicle on a hot day.
Heat-Related Illnesses
There are several levels of heat-related illnesses that you need to know.
Heat Cramps: Symptoms include muscle pain and cramps. Take action by moving to a cooler location and drinking sports drinks with salt and sugar.
Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, fast or weak pulse, nausea, tiredness, dizziness or headache. Move to a cooler place, loosen tight clothing, put cool wet cloths on the skin or take a cool bath. Hydrate with sips of water or sports drinks. If vomiting occurs or symptoms get worse get medical help right away.
Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a very serious condition and must be given emergency treatment. Symptoms include a very high body temperature, reduced (or no) sweating, headache, nausea, or loss of consciousness. Call 911 right away if you suspect heatstroke.
Month 9 Preparedness List
Items to Purchase
- Purchase some sports drinks and keep them in a cool location
Things To Do Before the Next Heat Wave
- Be familiar with the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
- Review heat wave safety information available online at redcross.org and at ready.gov/heat.
Tigard CERT Inc. is a local non-profit organization allied with the City of Tigard that trains volunteers in basic emergency response and organizational skills following the Federal Emergency Management Agency model and guidelines for local Community Emergency Response Teams. For more information about Tigard CERT, please visit our website at tigardcert.wordpress.com.
