With temperatures forecast to flirt with triple-digits through the latter part of the week and into the weekend, officials are telling residents to brace themselves.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Portland said they expect a high-pressure ridge to settle over the region from Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening, meaning high temperatures ranging from the upper 90s to just over 100 degrees throughout the Willamette Valley to the Portland-Vancouver metro area.
Forecasters today issued an excessive heat warning, saying the combined expected high heat and high humidity increases risks for heat-related illnesses.
County officials recommended keeping hydrated, especially if out and about, or keeping to where it’s cool. They also asked those heading for water to stay safe and swim to their ability, and to never leave pets or kids in a parked vehicle.
“We are encouraging people to avoid or limit physical activity outdoors, take shelter in air-conditioned buildings and drink plenty of fluids,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer, in a news release. “Elderly people and the very young are especially vulnerable during periods of intense or prolonged heat.”
The Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency recommended planning any strenuous activity for early or late in the day, and to take frequent breaks.
Public places to beat the heat in Vancouver include:
- Marshall/Luepke Community Center, 1009 McLoughlin Blvd. Open 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
- Firstenburg Community Center, 700 N.E. 136th Ave. Open 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
- CRESA also encouraged people to check out Vancouver Public Works’ Water Resources Education Center, which is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
The City of Vancouver keeps an online interactive map (at www.cityofvancouver.us/parksites) that lists sites with potable water.
Firstenburg Tower at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center will open to the those seeking relief from the heat from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Thursday through Saturday.
In Washougal, people can cool off at:
- City Hall, 1701 C St. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Washougal Community Library, 1661 C St. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday.
- The Washougal Community Center, at 1681 C St., may open on Sunday, with hours to be determined by senior association volunteers.
Signs of heat-related illnesses can vary, but symptoms of heat exhaustion may include muscle cramps, heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale and clammy skin; a fast and weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; and fainting. Symptoms may also include confusion and headaches.
People experiencing those symptoms should move to a cooler location; drink water; apply cool, wet towels to their body; and lie down and loosen their clothes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If any vomiting continues, call 911.
Heat exhaustion gone untreated can develop into heat stroke, which can lead to organ failure or death.
Symptoms of heat stroke may include a body temperature above 103 degrees; unconsciousness; hot, red, dry or moist skin; and a rapid, strong pulse. People with heat stroke may be disoriented and stop sweating, as well.
Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency. Signs of heat stroke should prompt a call to 911 immediately, according to the CDC.
In the meantime, heat stroke patients should be moved to a cooler environment, even the shade, and their body temperature lowered as soon as possible. Cool, damp cloths or even a bath are recommended. Do not give fluids.
State Department of Natural Resources officials are concerned about fire danger as the temperatures rise, and enacted a statewide burn ban, effective today through Sept. 30, on all state parks and forest land.
The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including campfires in fire pits and charcoal briquettes. Liquid or gas camp stoves without briquettes and with on-off switches are OK.
The ban doesn’t include federal land.
