How to stay cool and limit health risks during Oregon summer heat

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – As we approach the hottest days of the year, people are finding ways to stay cool.

It’s been two weeks since Portland turned on splash pads across the city.

The water was just one of the ways people were keeping cool on Friday.

“Did you see our cooler? We have a bunch of water in there. More water, stay in the shade, I mean look at these trees, it makes you feel comfortable,” said Beaverton resident Ailan Roman.

Oregon Health Authority says young children and older adults are just a couple of groups of people that face a higher risk of heat related illness.

OHA says in addition to staying hydrated and lounging in the shade, wearing loose fitted, lightweight clothing can make a big difference.

Roman makes sure her, and her grand kids are protected using several different defenses.

“Sunscreen, we have to put that in order to protect our skin,” Roman said.

When temperatures rise, OHA officials recommend staying in air-conditioned buildings.

But for some Portlanders, that’s not always an option, so to cool down, they must get creative.

“We get cheap kiddy pools, and we just stick our feet in it, drink lots of water and beer and weight our feet in the pool and that’s how we stay cool,” said park goer, Jill.

And most Oregonians can agree, water in all its forms is the best way to beat the heat.“You have the water view and then you have the water fountain and I think it’s quiet, I don’t see no issues around,” said Roman.

The CDC shares how you can recognize heat related illnesses. While OHA shares how to avoid issues in the heat.