With a projected heat wave approaching, we’d like to pass on important information and several tips on how to stay cool and safe.

First, here are links to find local cooling centers (you can also call 211):
https://www.clackamas.us/relief
https://www.multco.us/help-when-its-hot/when-do-we-open-cooling-centers-or-shelters
https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/public-health/hot-weather

Second, here is a video link from a recent episode of Inside Edition:
Tips to Stay Cool in a Heatwave

As a resource for you, we have listed 3 sets of tips below:
l) For homes that have air conditioner units,
ll) Useful techniques to prevent your home from overheating,
lll) Creative ways of staying cool.

Also, we want to make you aware that many vendors used for emergency repairs for air conditioning, including electricians and even plumbers, are not always readily available during extreme-weather events– even in emergencies. Therefore, we ask that you take extra precautions, use extra efforts, and – especially – have extra patience if you have an outage or hope to get an emergency repair.

I) Here are tips IF you have an air conditioner from American Home Shield:
Air Conditioning Maintenance:
-To ensure efficient operation, check filters every month. Clean or replace as needed.
-Have annual system maintenance service performed one month before the cooling season begins.
-Keep the condensing unit free of debris.
-Trim shrubs and plants near the condensing unit to ensure proper air flow/circulation.
-Bent condensing unit fins can be straightened with a fine comb.
Air Conditioning Quick Fixes:
Problem: Water leaks into the walls or ceiling.
-Make sure the drain line is not restricted and condensation drains freely.
Problem: The Unit constantly cycles on and off.
-Call a qualified professional to clean the evaporator unit and fan.
Problem: The Air conditioner doesn’t make the air cold enough.
–Keep the area around the exterior condensing unit clear of leaves, bushes, and other obstructions to ensure
adequate airflow.
-Clean or replace the air filter.
-Create shade for the unit.
-Secure the insulation firmly to the suction line (large line) and replace any worn-out insulation.
Another important thing to note, if you notice water around the air conditioning unit, this can also be caused by a dirty filter. This is the time of year to be aware of AC filter changes to prevent any damage to your home.

II) Here are tips to prevent your home from overheating from Quality Streets Properties:
1) Keep your blinds and curtains closed
Blinds or curtains can work wonders for reducing the sunlight and heat entering the rooms in your home.
Make sure blinds or curtains are white on the side facing the outside. Solar sunscreens and window film are other options that can greatly reduce the heat coming through windows.
2) Make the most of the morning coolness
If you are an early riser, you can really take advantage of the cooler morning air outside. Open all of your windows and doors, letting the coolness flow through your home.
3) Turn off your electronics
Computers, TVs, and other electronics generate quite a bit of heat when sitting idle or even when turned off, so unplug devices when not in use. Every little bit helps!
4) Change your lightbulbs
Incandescent light bulbs can significantly heat up a room. Replace standard bulbs with high-efficiency, low-heat CFL or LED bulbs. It is also always good practice to turn off lights when not needed.
5) Rethink your cooking methods
Instead of using the oven or stove top, eat cold meats & salads, braai more, or use the microwave for cooking when possible to minimize heat indoors.
When you do need to cook indoors:

Cover pots to minimize humidity
Turn the oven off a few minutes before the food is cooked to reduce oven heat
Check the oven by turning on the light and looking through the glass, rather than opening the oven door

6) Choose your chore times wisely
Don’t run the dishwasher, washing machine/dryer, or other appliances during the heat of the day, since these machines generate heat and humidity. Do these chores early in the morning or put them off until evening when possible.
When cleaning clothes:

Wash clothes in cold water
Run the washer or dryer only if you have a full load
Choose the shortest wash cycle that gets the job done
Dry clothes outside on a clothesline when possible

III) Here are creative tips to stay cool from Apartment Therapy.com
Those who do not have the luxury of AC or are concerned about the energy AC units use know that often, to keep cool, one has to get creative. Getting solace from the oppressive heat is not as easy as flipping a switch, but luckily, there are a few things one can do to get some relief from the heat.
1. Frozen Washcloths
Although it sounds a little odd, believe us, this tip works (courtesy of the writer’s dad, who works outdoors in Florida) and will provide some relief, especially on those nights when it is too hot to sleep. Take a washcloth and soak it in water, wring and shape it into a “U” and stick it in the freezer. Once the washcloth is frozen, take it out and wrap it around your neck. The cooling will distribute to the rest of the body quickly, and the cool lasts long enough for one to fall asleep.
2. Damp Towel
Hang a damp towel over an open window (as long as you are getting a breeze) to provide a cooler breeze. This will give a little relief, but we have not found it as effective as the frozen washcloth in tip 1.
3. Ice Water + Fan
Stick a bowl of ice water in front of your fan to help circulate the cooler air. We were surprised at how well this worked when sitting at a desk with a small fan and a bowl of ice water.
4. Close & Cover
Unless there is a cool breeze coming in those windows, they should be closed and covered. Block sunny heat rays by using heavier-than-usual curtains.

Here are tips from the Portland Housing Bureau on How You Can Help Yourself and Your Loved Ones:

Everyone is vulnerable to heat illness, especially those working or having fun outdoors, including your pets! To help yourself and your loved ones: hydrate, avoid strenuous activities, take more breaks, check in with your co-workers and neighbors. Rest in the shade. Heat illness is serious. Find a cooler place indoors, drink fluids, cool with water and consider seeking medical care.

Find resources at Multnomah County’s Help for When It’s Hot, City of Portland’s Portland.gov/heat and PublicAlerts.org/heat. Call 3-1-1 for non-emergency reports, requests, or to find information. Now is the time to use your summer essentials such as fans, air conditioners, sun-blocking curtains and sunscreen. Make a plan for pets, kids, older adults and anyone with medical conditions, all of whom are more vulnerable to heat illness.

Misting Stations

Normandale Park – 1260 NE 57th Ave

Wilshire Park – 3550 NE Skidmore St

Holladay Park – 1198 NE Multnomah St

Glenhaven Park – 8000 NE Siskiyou St

Knott Park – 2505 NE 117th Ave

Argay Park – 3898 NE 141st Ave

Floyd Light Park – 740 SE 106th Ave (E PDX CC)

Lynchwood Park – 17301 SE Haig St

Lents Park – 4603 SE 92nd Ave

Mt Scott Community Center – 5527 SE 72nd Ave

Harney Park – 8498 SE 67th Ave