BEND, OR -- The National Weather Service predicts highs Thursday to reach the low- to mid-90s in Bend and Redmond, with temperatures potentially hitting 100 degrees on Friday and through the weekend. Shepherd's House Ministries will open two facilities for people needing to escape the heat: The Lighthouse Navigation Center, at 181 NE Franklin Ave. in Bend, and the Redmond Center at 1350 S Hwy 97."Extreme heat presents serious health hazards, particularly for those lacking proper shelter," says Curt Floski, Shepherd's House Executive Director. The nonprofit's mobile outreach program will also provide showers at site locations and distribute water bottles and other essentials around Bend.
The Oregon Health Authority also encourages people to take steps to avoid heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Older adults, infants, children, people with chronic medical conditions and those who live or work outdoors are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. People are urged to stay in air-conditioned places, if possible and limiting sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Open windows to allow air to circulate in the morning and evening. Stay hydrated, regardless of your level of activity. And call 211 for help finding a place to take shelter from the heat.
Pacific Power issued a request Wednesday for customers to prepare for the heat. "More electricity is used by our customers during the summer season than at any other time of the year," Pacific Power VP of Power Delivery Curt Mansfield said in a statement. "We encourage customers to take steps now to manage their energy use." The utility notes demand for electricity typically reachers its highest point on hot weekday afternoons, generally 3-7 p.m., when power is needed to operate summer irrigation systems and air conditioners. Customers can help decrease teh strain on the electrical grid and save on power bills:
- Limit energy usage between 5 and 9 p.m. whenever possible.
- Set the thermostat on central air conditioning at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting.
- Turn off lights, computers, televisions, and appliances when you are not using them.
- Open windows in the cool of the evening and again in early morning to let in cool air. Use the intake setting on window fans to help bring in even more cool air.
- Keep air moving inside your home with ceiling, window, attic and portable fans.
