Get ready to make the most of your summer while staying happy and healthy! We’ve got your back with these links to ensure a safe and fantastic season ahead:
- Water safety Many Oregon lakes, rivers, and streams are still extremely cold this time of year, which poses risks including drowning. Avoid swimming in fast-flowing or cold water, and be mindful of sneaker waves by the ocean shore. Make sure young swimmers wear life jackets, and supervise children in and near the water.
- Beach advisories Though beaches under a health advisory remain open for recreational activities, contact with ocean water and nearby streams is discouraged due to the high levels of fecal bacteria present.
- Harmful algae blooms Water that appears foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red indicates likely harmful algae blooms.
- Workplaces and heat safety Employees can better understand their rights and responsibilities in the workplace, while employers are encouraged to refresh their knowledge of safety and health rules around the dangers of extreme heat.
- Foodborne illness Cooking foods properly, cleaning hands before eating or handling food and keeping food below 40° or above 140° are just a few small, yet important steps for preventing foodborne diseases.
- Heat-related illnesses When weather is hot, stay cool and safe by drinking water before you are thirsty, planning ahead by regularly checking the temperature and heat index, and learning how to spot and treat heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
- Heat respite Communities needing some respite from the heat can call 211 to find a list of available cooling spaces by county, or by visiting the 211info website
- Mosquito and tick-borne diseases Using insect repellents containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and wearing long clothes can keep biting mosquitos and ticks at bay.
Find out more from the Oregon Health Authority
