Heat waves can seriously harm older people, infants and children, those who live or work outdoors, are pregnant, or who have low incomes or a chronic medical condition.

It’s particularly important to know the difference between heat exhaustion, which is treatable by finding a cooler location and drinking water, and heat stroke, which is an emergency that requires emergency medical attention.

Learn more here about heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including symptoms and how to treat.

Tips to prevent these and other heat-related illnesses:

• Drink plenty of fluids (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) even if you are not thirsty, regardless of your activity level, especially when working outside.
• If you don’t have an air conditioner, visiting friends with an air conditioner or going to free cooling centers in your community can help you stay cool.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
• If you are an employer or work in extreme heat, check out the heat illness prevention information from the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Avoid eating hot foods and heavy meals.
• Never leave infants, pets or children in parked cars.
• Try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours when it’s cooler.

More extreme heat resources can be found at 211.org. For heat advisories and more tips visit OHA’s Extreme Heat webpage.

Members of Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) may be eligible for devices/equipment as part of home changes for health during extreme weather:

• Air conditioners and air filters to provide clean air and healthy temperatures.
• Portable power supplies to operate medical devices such as ventilators during a power outage.
• Mini fridges to keep medication cold during a power outage (requires a portable power supply).

OHP members interested in requesting devices can contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) to learn more and see if they qualify. If an OHP member is unsure which plan or CCO they are enrolled in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 800-273-0557. OHP Open Card members can call 888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com.