Look out for elders, vulnerable neighbors during warm weather

June 8, 2015

With temperatures in the 90s, Multnomah County encourages everyone to check on elders and vulnerable neighbors.

Although anyone at anytime can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

  • Infants and young children
  • People aged 65 or older
  • People who are taking medications for mental health
  • Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Consider sharing an extra fan from your home, or inviting your neighbor to your home if it’s cooler there or take them to another cool location such as a movie or shopping mall.

All Multnomah County Libraries are air-conditioned and they're great places to visit when you need a cool place.  All Multnomah County Libraries are open seven days a week -- and there's a handy map you can use to find the library nearest to you.

Babies also need close watch

Infants and young children need close monitoring during hot weather.  Children and people with disabilities may not be able to adequately express discomfort or communicate symptoms.  

Convince friends and family to follow the safety tips below:

  • Drink plenty of fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
  • Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause loss of more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, (they can cause stomach cramps).
  • Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Don’t use a portable electric fan to blow extremely hot air on yourself. This can accelerate the risk of heat exhaustion.
  • Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a great way to cool off.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

If you must be out in the heat:

  • NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle (including pets).
  • Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
  • Try to rest often in shady areas.
  • Protect yourself from the sun and stay cooler by wearing a wide-brimmed hat
  • Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
  • Make sure pets they have access to shade and water.  For more information on caring for your pet during hot weather visit http://www.oregonhumane.org/hot-weather-safety-for-pets-resources/  

For information about services and 24- hour access to crisis intervention (for cooling center information, help with paying bills), call the Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans’ Services Helpline:  503-988-3646 or 711.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Hot weather can strain the heart, exacerbate respiratory impairments such as asthma, emphysema and a range of other conditions. It can also affect the ability to manage diseases like diabetes and hypertension. If someone demonstrates one or more of those symptoms below, it is important to get them hydrated and into a cool environment immediately and sponge them with cool water. If the symptoms persist, or they lose consciousness, or have trouble breathing call 911.

Heat Stroke symptoms include:

  • High body temperature
  • Confusion
  • Loss of coordination
  • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
  • Throbbing headache
  • Seizures, coma

Heat Exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through sweating. Symptoms include:

  • Rapid heart beat
  • Heavy sweating
  • Extreme weakness or fatigue
  • Dizziness
  •  Nausea, vomiting
  • Irritability
  • Fast, shallow breathing
  • Slightly elevated body temperature

For more information about heat stress visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/