Heat Advisory issued for Eugene area June 14-16

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for parts of the Willamette Valley, including Eugene, for June 14-16. Temperatures are expected to exceed 95 degrees.  

Community members are encouraged to stay hydrated with water when the temperature is so high. All water fountains and splash pads in Eugene are turned on for summer. Splash pads are on seven days a week, including holidays, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at:  

• Downtown Riverfront Park (701 E. 8th Ave.)

• Fairmount Park (E. 15th Ave. and Fairmount Blvd.) 

• Oakmont Park (2295 Oakmont Way) 

• Skinner Butte Park (248 Cheshire Ave.) 

• Umso Park (Grand Cayman and Antigua drives)

• Washington Park (2025 Washington St.) 

Pools 

• Amazon Pool is open every day for drop-in Lap Swims. Rec Swims and Family Swims beginning June 15. A complete schedule is available on the Amazon Pool webpage.  

• Echo Hollow Pool & Fitness Center offers drop-in Lap Swims and Rec Swims every day but is closed Sunday. A complete schedule is available on the Echo Hollow Pool webpage. 

• Sheldon Pool & Fitness Center offers drop-in Lap Swims and Rec Swims every day but is closed Saturday. A complete schedule is available on the Sheldon Pool webpage. 

Cooling Centers  

• The Downtown Library is a designated cooling site and is open 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. The Bethel and Sheldon branches are open 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; noon-8 p.m. Tuesday; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

• Hilyard Community Center is a designated cooling site and is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Because of ongoing programming, there is a limited capacity in the lobby.

Community Centers are open for regular hours:  

• Amazon Community Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• Campbell Community Center 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

• Hilyard Community Center 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• Petersen Barn Community Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• Sheldon Community Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Lane County has a resource page that lists all cooling centers in the county and other heat-related tips.  

With a great number of people seeking relief at one of Lane County's many waterways, our Lane County first responders would like to urge community members to use extreme caution when recreating. Use a life jacket and beware that many bodies of water remain cold despite the hot temperatures. If boating or swimming, beware of submerged hazards. 

Human heatstroke symptoms can include high body temperature, a fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and loss of consciousness. If you notice someone experiencing these symptoms, call 911 right away — heatstroke is a medical emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer tips for preventing heat stroke-related illness. City staff may be seen taking breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned vehicles following guidance to prevent heat-related illnesses. 

An FAQ about Extreme Heat and Public Health is available from Lane County.  

Pet Safety

It is extremely important to remember these safety tips to keep your furry family members safe: 

• Leave pets at home when running errands. Leaving your animal in a parked car, even for just a few minutes, can easily cause heat stroke or brain damage. On an 85-degree day, a car's interior temperature can climb to 104 degrees in 10 minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Dogs are especially vulnerable to heat stress because they do not sweat in the way that humans do; they release body heat by panting.

• Dogs should not ride in uncovered pickup truck beds. The hot metal truck bed can burn your pet’s paw pads. 

• Keep pets inside during the heat of the day; do not leave them outside unattended. 

• Make sure pets have access to water bowls full of cool, fresh water. 

• When pets are outside, be sure to provide shaded areas for them to rest in and invest in a misting hose or kiddie pool for a cool place for your pets to play. 

• Limit or skip on exercise and time at the dog park during the heat of the day. 

• Always test the pavement or sand with your hand before setting out (too hot to touch is too hot for your pet), walk early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler, carry water and take frequent breaks in shady spots. If you suspect your pet’s paws have been burned, contact your vet immediately.

Animal heatstroke symptoms can include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, vomiting and lack of coordination. If your animal is overcome by heat exhaustion, consult your veterinarian right away. If you notice an animal in distress or unresponsive in a parked car, first try and locate the pet’s owner and alert them to the animal’s condition. If you cannot find the animal’s owner, call 911. 

If you notice an animal in distress or unresponsive in a parked car, call 911. If an animal is not in distress and it is quicker to locate the owner, you may consider that in addition to calling for help. 

Additional information about pet safety in hot conditions is available from the Humane Society of the United States.  

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORHA/bulletins/41b92e2

Prevention tips, cooling resources and support programs as temperatures rise

PORTLAND, Ore. — As Oregon enters the hottest months of the year, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is encouraging people to take steps now to protect themselves, their families and their communities from heat-related illness.

Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly and can become life-threatening. Older adults, infants and young children, outdoor workers, people experiencing homelessness, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions face a higher risk during periods of extreme heat.

"Extreme heat is one of the most dangerous weather-related hazards we face in Oregon," said Gabriela Goldfarb, environmental public health section manager in OHA's Public Health Division. “A sudden spike of high temperatures, when our bodies don’t have time to adjust gradually to the heat, can have more severe health impacts. The good news is that heat-related illnesses and deaths are largely preventable when people know the risks, recognize warning signs and take steps to stay cool."

Follow precautions during hot weather

• Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible and limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Schedule outdoor work and recreation for early morning or evening hours.

• Use cooling methods such as cool showers, damp cloths and misting.

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.

• Drink water regularly throughout the day, especially when working or exercising outdoors.

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and limit drinks with high amounts of caffeine or sugar.

• Never leave children, older adults or pets unattended in parked vehicles.

• Check on neighbors, family members and friends who may be more vulnerable to heat.

People should also know the warning signs of heat-related illness.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache and muscle cramps. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and may cause a body temperature above 103 degrees, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures or severe headache. Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat stroke should receive immediate medical attention. Call 911 right away.

Oregonians can find information about local cooling centers, shelters and other community resources by contacting 211info or visiting Oregon's cooling centers webpage.

Support available for Oregon Health Plan members

Some Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members may qualify to receive air conditioners and air filters at no cost to help stay safe and healthy. These supports are available for OHP members who:  

• Are going through major life changes, such as recently leaving a mental health or substance use treatment facility or carceral facility, transitioning to Medicaid and Medicare coverage, currently or previously involved in the child welfare system, have Young Adults with Special Healthcare Needs OHP benefits, or are at risk of homelessness;

• AND have health conditions that get worse in extreme heat or poor air quality. 

OHP members can find more information about who qualifies and how to apply on OHA’s Home Changes for Health web page.  

OHP members can contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) or OHP Open Card to learn more and apply for the benefits. People who are unsure which CCO they belong to may contact OHA Client Services at 800-273-0557. OHP Open Card members can call 888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com. 

For information about heat safety, warning signs of heat-related illness, cooling resources and preparedness tips, visit healthoregon.org/heat or Oregon.gov/heat.