The Care Oregon Extreme heat resources page includes information on how to create a heat preparedness plan, locations of cooling shelters in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties, transportation options, tips for staying cool, signs of heat-related illness and when to seek medical care, information about climate devices available through social needs assistance (https://www.careoregon.org/members/programs-and-services/social-needs-assistance/climate-devices), and links to additional community resources.
211 is a free, confidential service that connects people to essential community resources including but not limited to cooling and heating centers. By calling 211 or visiting the website, individuals can get help finding support for housing, food, healthcare, mental health services, disability resources, utility assistance, and more. The service is typically operated by local nonprofits (often United Way partners) and is designed to quickly guide people to the right programs in their area.
Discounts and resources are available to help lower your energy utility bills, making it easier to use air conditioners and fans to stay cool during hot weather. Energy bill discount programs for low-income households can improve comfort, increase accessibility, and help prevent heat-related illness. These programs were developed in partnership with Multnomah County to support community members during extreme heat. Pacific Power customers can learn more and apply online or call 888-221-7070. Portland General Electric customers can learn more and apply online or call 503-228-6322. NW Natural customers can learn more and apply online or call 503-226-4211 or 800-422-4012.
Cooling Portland helps low-income Portland residents stay safe during extreme heat by providing free portable cooling and heat pump units. The program prioritizes older adults, people with medical conditions, and those living alone. To qualify, you must live in Portland and have a household income at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. You can Apply here: https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/cooling-portland/apply-cooling-unit
Clackamas County Weatherization Services helps income-qualified households reduce energy costs while improving home comfort, health, and safety through increased energy efficiency. These free services, funded by state and federal programs, include home upgrades designed to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Improvements may include attic, ceiling, and floor insulation, air sealing, and sealing and insulating heating ducts. Together, these upgrades help reduce heat loss and keep conditioned air inside the home.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) provides financial support to help families meet basic needs while they work toward greater stability and self-sufficiency. Benefit amounts vary based on household size and income. This program is intended for Oregon families with limited income and very few resources, such as savings, property, or vehicles. It may help households manage essential living costs, including during times when additional expenses arise due to weather-related needs like cooling in the summer or heating in the winter. To qualify, the applicant must live in Oregon and be either a parent or caregiver for a child age 18 or younger, be pregnant, or be 18 or younger and head of their household.
If you are working in extreme heat conditions, your employer is required by law to:
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Provide access to water, rest, and shade.
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Have an emergency plan in place and train workers on how to prevent heat-related illness.
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Allow new or returning workers to take more frequent breaks as they build heat tolerance.
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Monitor for signs of heat illness in themselves and coworkers.
As an employee, you have the right to report unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation. For more information on whistleblower protections, visit https://www.whistleblowers.gov. To file a safety complaint about your workplace, visit https://www.osha.gov/workers.
For additional guidance on staying safe in hot conditions, you can review OSHA Heat Safety Tips for Workers: https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/public-health/documents/osha-heat-safety-tips-workers/download?inline
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Si trabaja en condiciones de calor extremo, su empleador está obligado por ley a:
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Proporcionar acceso a agua, descanso y sombra.
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Contar con un plan de emergencia y capacitar a los trabajadores sobre cómo prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor.
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Permitir que los trabajadores nuevos o que regresan tomen descansos más frecuentes mientras desarrollan tolerancia al calor.
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Vigilar los signos de enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en ellos mismos y en sus compañeros de trabajo.
Como empleado, usted tiene derecho a reportar condiciones de trabajo inseguras sin temor a represalias. Para más información sobre protección a denunciantes, visite https://www.whistleblowers.gov. Para presentar una queja de seguridad en su lugar de trabajo, visite https://www.osha.gov/workers.
Para más orientación sobre cómo mantenerse seguro en condiciones de calor, consulte OSHA Heat Safety Tips for Workers: https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/public-health/documents/consejos-de-seguridad-de-osha-contra-el-calor-para-los-trabajadores/download?inline
Know the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion
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When the body cannot cool itself quickly enough, heat exhaustion can occur. Symptoms include muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. If you see someone showing signs of overheating, move them to a cooler place, have them rest, and give them a cool drink slowly. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms do not improve or if the person is vomiting.
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Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency that can cause death or permanent disability if not treated right away. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103°F, hot or red skin (which may be dry or sweating heavily), a rapid strong pulse, and confusion, nausea, or unconsciousness.
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For more information, visit CDC’s extreme heat guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/
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Conozca los signos de golpe de calor y agotamiento por calor.
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Cuando el cuerpo no puede enfriarse lo suficientemente rápido, puede presentarse el agotamiento por calor. Los síntomas incluyen calambres musculares, debilidad, mareo, dolor de cabeza, náuseas y vómitos. Si ve a alguien con signos de sobrecalentamiento, llévelo a un lugar más fresco, permítale descansar y ofrézcale una bebida fría lentamente. Busque atención médica de inmediato si los síntomas no mejoran o si la persona está vomitando.
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El agotamiento por calor puede convertirse en golpe de calor, una emergencia médica que puede causar la muerte o discapacidad permanente si no se trata de inmediato. Los síntomas del golpe de calor incluyen una temperatura corporal superior a 103°F, piel roja o caliente (seca o con sudor excesivo), pulso rápido y fuerte, y confusión, náuseas o pérdida de conciencia.
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Para más información, visite la guía del CDC sobre calor extremo: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/