Extreme heat resources

Heatwave resources

Oregon is experiencing higher temperatures than normal, and we know that may be a concern. Read below for immediate options, as well as resources for the future. See below for information about:

• Making a preparation plan
• Where to find cooling centers and transportation.
• Tips for keeping your home cool.
• When to seek care for heat-related illnesses

Making a preparation plan

Before the next heat wave hits, the best way to beat it is to be prepared.

• Decide if you need a fan or an AC unit
• If you have an AC unit, make sure it works
• Talk to friends, family and neighbors who live alone. Find out how they plan to stay cool and what support they need next time it gets hot

Check out our article for making a Heat Wave Plan for more information on what you can do when the temperature rises.

Cooling shelters

Cooling shelters open in our area when high temperatures are forecasted and when shelter staffing is available:

• Medford:
• The City of Medford partners with ACCESS to open and operate cooling shelters. To be notified when cooling shelters are opened, text MED4SHELTERS to 888777
• Ashland:
• The City of Ashland opens a cooling shelter when extreme heat is expected.
• Talent:
• The Talent Library can be used as a cooling shelter when extreme heat is expected.
• A splash pad at Chuck Roberts Park can also be used to cool down.
• All Jackson County public libraries are open normal hours. Visit their website for details.

Transportation options

If you don’t have access to transportation, our transportation partner may be able to help you get to a cooling shelter. Please call them directly:

• TransLink: 888-518-8160

Tips for staying cool

Here are some tips for staying cool during the heatwave:

• Close all of your blinds.
• Put damp, cool cloths on your face, under your arms and on the back of your neck.
• Take cool baths. If it gets too hot, consider going to a cooling center.

For more in-depth information on how to stay cool, check out our article, Ways to keep yourself and your house cool. 

Heat-related illness and when to seek care

Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. Learn the signs so you know what do to if you or a household member starts having symptoms.

• Heat stroke - a medical emergency
• Heat exhaustion - a mix of symptoms that could lead to a heat stroke if your body cannot cool down
• Heat cramps - muscle spasms that can happen to physically active people in hot weather

Know the symptoms of each of these three conditions by reading our in-depth article, Heat-related illnesses - when to seek care.

Other resources

• Public Alerts - extreme heat
• National Weather Service - HeatRisk