In advance of excessive heat warnings for most of the state this holiday week from noon Thursday through Sunday evening, Governor Tina Kotek is reminding Oregonians to take extra precautions to stay safe. State agencies are mobilizing resources and standing up the state Emergency Coordination Center throughout the heatwave.

“Oregon will experience record-breaking heat across the state this holiday week,” Governor Kotek said. “While extreme heat can be deadly for anyone, certain groups - children, elders, people with disabilities, and people who work outside - face additional risk. Also, remember to check on your neighbors, especially those who might not have access to air conditioning.

“High heat can also be a catalyst for wildfires. I strongly urge all Oregonians to practice extreme caution this weekend, stay cool, and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.”

Temperatures across Oregon are expected to reach near record-breaking levels, with the Portland metro area, Willamette Valley, and parts of Southern Oregon expected to hit temperatures in the triple digits. The heat risk levels and what they mean for individuals can be found on the National Weather Service’s Heat Risk map.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has activated the state Emergency Coordination Center in response to the heatwave. Multiple partners including the Oregon Health Authority, the Oregon Department of Human Services office of Resilience and Emergency Management, the Oregon State Medical Examiner, the Oregon Public Utility Commission and the American Red Cross are working with local and tribal emergency managers as they prepare to open cooling centers. State agencies are providing support and resources where requested. The state Emergency Coordination Center will meet throughout the heatwave to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.

The Oregon Health Authority is also encouraging people to take steps to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion as advisories predicting triple-digit temperatures go into effect this week. Oregonians can find more information about local cooling centers from 211.

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