Contact:
Dr. Alan Melnick, Health Officer/Public Health Director
(360) 397-8412; alan.melnick@clark.wa.gov
Vancouver, WA — With temperatures expected to approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Public Health officials are urging residents to protect themselves during the hot spell expected this weekend.
“We are encouraging people to avoid or limit physical activity outdoors, take shelter in air-conditioned buildings, and drink plenty of fluids,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer. “Elderly people and the very young are especially vulnerable during periods of intense or prolonged heat.”
Some air-conditioned locations in Clark County are listed at http://cresa911.org/emergency-management/emergency-preparedness/beat-the-heat-tips-and-places-to-stay-cool/. To add the name of a cooling center to the list, please contact Eric.Frank@clark.wa.gov.
The following tips can help prevent heat-related problems:
- Drink more water and other nonalcoholic fluids, regardless of your activity level.
- Limit intake of drinks with caffeine, alcohol or lots of sugar.
- Stay indoors, in an air-conditioned location, if possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, go to the mall, a movie or the library for a few hours to cool down.
- Never leave anyone, especially young children, in a closed, parked vehicle. This also applies to pets.
- Fans provide comfort, but will not prevent heat-related illness. Cool off by taking a shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
If you must be out in the heat:
- Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- If you work outdoors, check on your co-workers and drink lots of water.
- Cut down on exercise. Avoid midday exercise and drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.
- Rest often in shady areas.
- Wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses; put on sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
Heat related illnesses
Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Warning signs include: body temperature above 103°F; red, hot and dry skin (no sweating); rapid pulse; throbbing headache; nausea; dizziness; and confusion.
If you see any of these signs, call for immediate medical assistance. Place the victim in a tub of cool water or cool shower, or spray the person with cool water from a garden hose. Do not give the person fluids to drink.
Less severe heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion and muscle cramps. Signs are heavy sweating, paleness, weakness, headache and vomiting. Drink nonalcoholic, cool beverages. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last more than an hour.
Swimming at Clark County parks
Swimming is allowed in most Clark County parks that have water access, but parks on the Columbia River are not considered safe for swimming because of strong river currents and sudden drop-offs.
Lifeguards will begin working at Klineline Pond on Saturday, June 18. Lifeguards will be on duty the final two weekends in June, with daily summer coverage starting on Friday, July 1.
Users at all county parks swim at their own risk. Parents should be vigilant watching children near the water. More information on swimming and water safety at parks is available on the county website: http://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/swimming.
Hot days, cold water a potentially dangerous combination
Despite the heat, rivers and lakes in Southwest Washington remain very cold. Cold water − especially when high or swift − can immobilize even the strongest swimmer in minutes. If your weekend plans include a trip to a local swimming hole, here are some safety tips:
- Wear a life jacket when swimming anywhere without lifeguards or when on a boat, jet ski, inner tube or other water sports equipment.
- Ensure children wear life jackets. Inflatable toys and mattresses will not keep children safe. By law, children 12 and younger must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or vest on all vessels 18 feet or smaller.
- Never leave children unsupervised in or near water, even for a minute. Drowning can happen swiftly and silently. Supervision requires complete attention, even if other adults are present.
- Always avoid alcohol when swimming or boating.
- Avoid swimming in potentially dangerous areas such as fast-flowing rivers or oceanbeaches with riptides.
Additional information:
Swimming pool safety:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/WaterRecreation/PoolSafety.aspx
Staying cool during hot weather:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/EmergencyPreparednessandResponse/Factsheets/HotWeatherSafety.aspx
Children exposed to early childhood trauma, also known as Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs, often have difficulty in school and are at risk of poor physical, emotional and mental health as adults.
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