Washington County offers health reminders during hot weather

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 26, 2019

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for our area. The Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday. Afternoon high temperatures of 93°F to 99°F are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, with the warmest temperatures between 3-7 p.m.

“Temperatures will be very slow to cool, with overnight low temperatures only reaching the lower 60s for a few hours very early Wednesday morning,” says Washington County Emergency Manager Scott Porter. “The current forecast indicates the high temperatures will continue to stay relatively hot on Thursday and Friday, with highs both days around 86°F.”

Washington County Public Health offers the following reminders for staying safe and healthy over the next few days:

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device when it is very hot.
• Avoid strenuous activities in the heat of the day.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. Find a splash pad or fountain.
• Do not use your stove, oven, washer or dryer.
• Eat small, light meals.
• Close your blinds and curtains to keep sunlight out.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially while working or exercising outside. Avoid alcohol and sugary beverages.
• For symptoms and treatment of heat-related illnesses, visit http://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.html.

Public libraries, indoor shopping malls, movie theaters and senior centers are all good options for people who don’t have homes with air conditioning. In addition, Boys & Girls Aid Safe Place for Youth is open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. for anyone ages 12-20. The organization is located at 454 SE Washington Street in Hillsboro and has air conditioning, food, cold water, showers, laundry and recreational activities.

Public outdoor water playgrounds, known as spraygrounds, provide a free, fun and accessible way to cool off in hot weather.

Washington County will post any updates at www.StayCoolWashingtonCounty.com. An interactive map of Washington County public cooling spaces is available at https://bit.ly/2zVZnmx.

Media Contact:

Wendy Gordon, Communications Coordinator/PIO
503-846-3634
[email protected]