Another dangerous heat wave is impacting Oregon and Southwest Washington over the next several days with temperatures reaching triple digits during the day and offering little relief at night. The American Red Cross Cascades Region is encouraging everyone to take steps now to help prepare them and their families for the heat. Additionally, many areas throughout the Cascades Region already have wildfire activity and there is a danger of more wildfires starting because of the ongoing drought. Red Cross volunteers are prepared to respond and support our community partners, if necessary. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-caffeine and non-alcoholic fluids. Check on family, friends and neighbors without air conditioning, who are alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. If you don't have air conditioning, seek relief from the heat in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Postpone outdoor activities. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors. Check on animals frequently. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade. WILDFIRE SAFETY BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE and obey all evacuation orders from officials. Follow these steps (if time allows): Shut all windows and doors. Remove flammable window shades, curtains and close metal shutters. Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors. Shut off gas at the meter; turn off pilot lights. Shut off the air conditioning. Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, toys, trash cans). Turn off propane tanks. Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures. Don't leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure. Back your loaded car into the driveway and keep all doors and windows closed. Ensure your emergency supplies kit is in your vehicle. Locate your pets and take them with you. IF THE POWER GOES OUT Don't touch downed electrical power lines. Use flashlights in the dark, not candles. Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Learn how to use generators safely. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. Perishables should have a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or below to be safe to eat. Then use food from the freezer. Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer. If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times. Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics. Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment. Leave one light turned on so you'll know when the power comes back on. Stay on top of emergency alerts by downloading the Red Cross app "Emergency" to help keep you and your loved ones safe. This free app gives you vital information with customizable severe weather and emergency alerts. People can also download the free Red Cross First Aid app for information on handling heat emergencies. Download these apps for free by searching for 'American Red Cross' in your app store or at redcross.org/apps. Learn First Aid and CPR/AED skills (redcross.org/takeaclass) so you can help save a life. DESCHUTES COUNTY issued the following news release: When temperatures start reaching the 90s, it becomes more important to take care of yourself, your neighbors and those who may be in vulnerable situations. With the expected spike in temperatures, it's crucial to know what to do and to be aware of signs of heat-related illnesses. Please keep in mind to continue practicing social distancing measures. Here are some tips to take care of yourself, those around you and pets during the heatwave. When it's hot, you should: Drink water and bring extra bottles for yourself and others. Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you are thirsty. Talk to your doctor first if you are on water pills. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Take a cool shower or bath. Use air conditioning or a fan. Seek cover or shade. Don't use a fan to blow extremely hot air on yourself, use it to create cross-ventilation. Wear lightweight and loose clothing. Avoid using your stove or oven. Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day (3-7 p.m.) Reach out to local service providers if you need assistance. Seek out air-conditioned locations. Take care of those around you Check in on elders and vulnerable neighbors during warm weather -- twice a day is best. If you see someone who is in a vulnerable situation (unhoused persons without shelter, a young child outside without supervision, a dog left alone in a car) stop, assess the situation and call for help if necessary. Never leave a person, child or a pet in a hot car. Check regularly on how babies and toddlers, seniors, pregnant people, people taking mental health medications and people with heart disease or high blood pressure are doing. See the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Share a fan. Invite a friend to a splash pad, movie, mall or museum. If you must be out in the heat Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas. Wear a wide-brimmed hat Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels) and reapply as directed. Consider packing a couple of extra bottles of water, these could be used for you and your family or anyone you see that looks like they could use a cool drink of water. Know that the heat index (what the temperature feels like when humidity is involved) plays a role. When sweat isn't able to evaporate from the body due to high humidity, the body has difficulty regulating its temperature and cooling itself off. This can lead to heat stroke, cramps and exhaustion. If you have a pet Provide plenty of shade and water. Never leave them in a car. Learn more tips from the Oregon Humane Society. Deschutes County Health Services encourages all residents to learn the signs and first aid response for heat-related illness. Warning signs and symptoms vary but may include: Heat Exhaustion Symptoms ● Heavy sweating ● Weakness ● Skin cold, pale, and clammy ● Weak pulse ● Fainting and vomiting What You Should Do ● Move to a cooler location. ● Lie down and loosen your clothing. ● Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible. ● Sip water. ● If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately. Heat Stroke Symptoms ● High body temperature above 103°F ● Hot, red, dry or moist skin ● Rapid and strong pulse ● Possible unconsciousness What You Should Do ● Call 9-1-1 immediately — this is a medical emergency. ● Move the person to a cooler environment. ● Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath. ● Do NOT give fluids. For more information on extreme heat, visit: www.deschutes.org/heat.