Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage

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
 
Beat the Heat infographic: Dress light, stay cool, eat light, use sunscreen, cool down, stay hydrated, stay safe, learn 
 
 



 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 symptoms of heat-related illness.

People with Chronic Medical Conditions

People 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.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.
  • Check the local news for health and safety updates regularly.
  • Don't 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

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.

  • Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
  • Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package. 
  • Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
  • Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
  • Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
  • Monitor a teammate's condition, and have someone do the same for you.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Seek medical care immediately if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.

Outdoor workers

People who work outdoors are more likely to become dehydrated and are 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. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.
  • Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
  • Ask if tasks can be scheduled for earlier or later in the day to avoid midday heat.
  • Wear a brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Spend time in air-conditioned buildings during breaks and after work.
  • Encourage co-workers to take breaks to cool off and drink water.
  • Seek medical care immediately if you or a co-worker has symptoms of heat-related illness.
  • For more information, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress.

Heat and low income

  • If you have air conditioning, use it to keep your home cool.
  • If you can't afford to use your air conditioning:
  • Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
  • 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

  • OR-OSHA Heat Stress Page: https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/topics/heat-stress.aspx. Provides information and links to resources on preventing heat stress for those working in hot environments.
  • Federal OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Campaign: https://www.osha.gov/heat. Educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat and offers resources.
  • Key requirements: Oregon OSHA's emergency temporary rules for heat illness prevention: https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/factsheets/fs85.pdf. Oregon OSHA's rules for preventing heat illnesses apply to workplaces whenever an employee is working and the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. More requirements apply when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit (English, 07/13/2021)
  • Requisitos clave: Normas temporales de emergencia de Oregon OSHA para la prevención de enfermedades causadas por el calor: https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/factsheets/fs85-spa.pdf. Las normas de Oregon OSHA para prevenir enfermedades causadas por el calor se aplican a los lugares de trabajo cuando un empleado está trabajando y el índice de calor es igual o superior a 80 grados Fahrenheit. Se aplican más requisitos (consulte las Prácticas de altas temperaturas y planes médicos de emergencia, a continuación) cuando el índice de calor supera los 90 grados Fahrenheit (Spanish, 07/15/2021)
  • Water temperatures referenced in Oregon OSHA's rules: https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/factsheets/fs48.pdf. Defines the various water temperature terms and requirements that ensure employers provide workers with cold, cool, tepid, warm, or hot water for drinking, bathing, hand washing, laundering clothes, etc. (English 11/20/2012)