Red Cross braces for record heat and high fire danger

Record-breaking heat in Oregon and Southwest Washington increases health risks for vulnerable populations and intensifies the wildfire danger, prompting warnings to stay hydrated, cool, and prepared for potential evacuations. File photo.

Organization urges area residents to follow tips for extreme heat, make an evacuation plan, know evacuation levels

More record breaking heat is forecast for Oregon and Southwest Washington this week. This creates a health risk for vulnerable populations, and a high wildfire risk across the entire region. Follow tips for extreme heat, make an evacuation plan, know evacuation levels.

What should you do during extreme heat?

Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of fluids, 8-10 glasses of water per day is recommended.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Replace salt and minerals with snacks or sports drinks.
Stay Cool
- Limit your outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours.
- Stay in air conditioned areas as much as possible.
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
Prevent Heat Illness
- Anyone can get heat illnesses, but pay close attention to vulnerable populations:
- Older adults, infants, pregnant women, people with medical conditions, and outdoor workers.
- Check on your neighbors, friends, and family.

Learn more extreme weather tips HERE.

The extreme heat increases fire danger.

“We’ve learned from the fires in Maui, and from our own wildfires over the past few years that disaster can happen at a moment’s notice, says Rebecca Marshall, communications director with Red Cross Cascades Region. “Wildfire can move quickly and have devastating effects. The hot weather makes it even more intense. So, it’s important to be prepared now.”

Follow the steps below to keep your family safe.

Assemble an emergency kit to take with you when you evacuate. For a detailed list of items to include visit www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html
Prepare an information kit with important documents like medical, banking and insurance records.
Save a list of emergency numbers on every cell phone.
Plan for your pets and livestock. Ask local officials where you can bring them.
Identify a place to meet in case you are separated.
Plan and practice several evacuation routes from your neighborhood.

If an evacuation is imminent:

Tune in to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
Remove flammable items from decks and porches.
Open gates for animals that cannot be evacuated.
Connect a hose to an outside spigot, mark any water sources on your property, and leave a ladder for firefighters.
Put your emergency kit in your car. Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape, with windows closed and keys in the ignition.
Put your best driver at the wheel. Turn on lights, drive slowly and watch out for emergency vehicles.

Evacuate as soon as the order is given. Don’t delay.

Evacuation Levels – What Do They Mean?

Level 1 – “BE READY! “ for potential evacuation.
Level 2 – “BE SET!” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.
Level 3 – “GO!” evacuate now. Leave immediately!

For up-to-date information and alerts about emergencies in your area and shelter locations, download theRed Cross Emergency App from your app store. It’s free and available to both iPhone and Android users.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, including blood for 65 hospitals in the region; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Information provided by American Red Cross – Cascades Region.