• Stay in air conditioned spaces when possible.
  
  
• Avoid using fans as your primary cooling device, especially when it gets extremely hot inside. Instead, mist yourself with a spray bottle, and then use the fan to get the cooling benefits of evaporation.
  
  
• Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water is best. Limit sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. 
  
  
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing – and sunscreen.
  
  
• Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
  
  
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
  
  
• Exercise in the early morning when it’s cooler.
  
  
• Avoid strenuous activity in the heat of the day.
  
  
• Take cool showers or baths.
  
  
• Get a baby pool or play in a sprinkler. 
  
  
• Avoid doing laundry.
  
  
• Eat small, light meals.
  
  
• Wear a lifejacket and take other safety precautions in rivers and lakes. More information on water safety is available on the Red Cross webpage. 

5 Ways to Stay Cool With No Air Conditioning

1. Let cool nighttime air in.
   Open windows before bed, close in the morning
   
   
2. Keep blinds closed.
   Block sunlight and heat from getting in
   
   
3. Use fans & mist/water.
   Fans should rotate counter-clockwise
   
   
4. Cook outdoors.
   Avoid using your stove or oven
   
   
5. Sleep low.   
   Heat rises, sleep on the lowest level possible.

Air Conditioner Assistance Programs

You may be qualified for a free air conditioner from the Oregon Health Authority or your Coordinated Care Organization. Visit the Oregon Health Authority website to learn more.

Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.

PGE Encourages Customers to Safely Reduce Power

Portland General Electric (PGE) encourages customers to safely reduce power use to support service reliability when electricity demand is especially high, such as during heat waves. The high demand can place extra stress on equipment and lead to outages. 

Visit the PGE website for more information on how to save energy, stay cool, and be prepared for power outages during periods of extreme heat. 

Energy Efficiency & Weatherization Resources

Visit our Community Resources webpage to find more ways to save energy and keep your home cool during hot temperatures.

DO NOT wait for public transit during dangerously hot temperatures. Call someone you trust for a ride or schedule a ride with a private service. 

If you plan to take TriMet, prepare for riding during extreme heat, stay well-hydrated, and check TriMet's Alerts page before you travel for the latest information on delays. 

Resources & Rides Services

• Call 211 for transportation resources or other assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  
  
• Older adults who need transportation can call the Aging & Disability Resource Connection at 503-846-3060 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
  
  
• People with disabilities and older adults are eligible for free door-to-door ride services from Ride Connection. Availability and days of service vary. Call 503-225-0700 or Text Telephone (TTY) 7-1-1 to get set up.
  
  
• Find more information on transportation in Hillsboro on our Getting Around webpage.

Climate change is the long-term shift in the Earth's average temperatures and weather conditions. 

Be Climate Resilient

As global temperatures rise, the intensity and frequency of worldwide natural disasters continues to increase. 

Find climate resiliency resources to help you be prepare and adapt to our changing environment. 

Take Action

See how the City is responding and learn how you can take action to combat climate change.