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Extreme Heat

Preventing Heat-related Illnesses

Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. This website provides easily accessible resources for members of the public, local health departments and other organizations to assist ongoing outreach efforts to those most vulnerable to extreme heat events.

Oregon Weather Alerts (NOAA)  Frequently Asked Questions

 Heat-related Illness: Warning Signs and Symptoms

Muscle cramping might be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Here is how you can recognize heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do:

Heat ExhaustionWhat you should do
Faint or dizzy
  • Move to a cooler location.
  • Sip water.
  • Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
  • Lie down and loosen your clothing.
  • If the person has vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.
Heavy sweating
Fast, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Cold, pale, clammy skin
Muscle cramps

Heat StrokeWhat you should do
High body temperature (above 103°F)
  • Call 911 immediately - heat stroke is a medical emergency.
  • Move the person to a cooler environment.
  • Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
  • Do NOT give fluids.
Red, hot, dry or damp skin
Fast, strong pulse
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
May lose consciousness



 Health Threats from Extreme Heat

Infants and young children

Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of extreme heat, and must rely on other people to keep them cool and hydrated.

  • Never leave infants or children in a parked car. (Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat-related illness too.)
  • Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms of heat-related illness.

People with chronic medical conditions

People of any age with a chronic medical condition are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Also, they may be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. People in this category need the following information:

  • Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
  • Learn about how any medications you take affects your body's ability to regulate temperature.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.
  • Check the local news for health and safety updates regularly.
  • Avoid use the stove or oven to cook -- it will make you and your house hotter.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat-related illness.

Athletes and outdoor sports enthusiasts

People who exercise in extreme heat are more likely to become dehydrated and get heat-related illness. STOP all activity and get to a cool environment if you feel faint or weak.

  • Drink more water than usual and take a drink before you are thirsty. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
  • Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
  • Schedule workouts, practices, and activities earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
  • Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually. Remember it may take 1-2 weeks of exposure to high temperatures before your body fully adjusts.
  • Monitor a teammate's condition, and have someone do the same for you.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package. 
  • Seek medical care immediately if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.
  • Learn about Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) heat policies and guidance if you are an athlete, parent of an athlete, coach, trainer or athletics director. This guidance applies to members of OSAA, so if you engage in club sports, you may want to ask if they have similar policies.

Outdoor workers

People who work outdoors, whether as a source of income or for DIY home projects and landscaping, are more likely to become dehydrated. This makes them more likely to get heat-related illness. STOP all activity and get to a cool environment if you feel faint or weak.

  • Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working. Take a drink BEFORE you are thirsty.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.
  • Ask your employer if tasks can be scheduled for earlier or later in the day to avoid midday heat. If you have DIY projects at home, consider moving work to the coolest parts of the day.
  • Wear a brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Spend time in air-conditioned buildings during breaks and after work.
  • Encourage co-workers or those helping you with home projects to take breaks to cool off and drink water.
  • Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
  • Seek medical care immediately if you or a co-worker has symptoms of heat-related illness.
  • For more information, please visit the CDC's page on Heat Stress and visit OR-OSHA's heat stress page.

Heat and low income

  • Drink more water than usual and take a drink BEFORE you are thirsty.
  • If you have air conditioning, use it to keep your home cool.
  • If you can't afford to use your air conditioning:
  • If you live outdoors, identify public spaces with air conditioning and check to see if cooling centers are available in your community. 211 INFO's Severe Weather Extreme Heat Cooling Center List, local service agencies and emergency management often have this information in locations where it is available.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.
  • Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness.

 Fact Sheets

FAQ: Extreme Heat and Public Health

OR-OSHA Resources