* * * Updated August 16, 10 a.m. * * *
The National Weather Service has shared that there is an Excessive Heat Watch for parts of the Willamette Valley, including Eugene, for August 13-17. Temperatures are expected to approach and exceed 100 degrees.
Community members are encouraged to stay hydrated with water when the temperature is so high. All water fountains and splash pads in Eugene are turned on for summer. Splash pads are on 7 days a week, including holidays, from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. at:
- Fairmount Park (E. 15th Ave. and Fairmount Blvd.)
- Oakmont Park (2295 Oakmont Way)
- Skinner Butte Park (248 Cheshire Ave.)
- Washington Park (2025 Washington St.)
Due to smoky conditions in the southern Willamette Valley, Eugene Rec will close all outdoor programs including all three pools. This webpage will be updated daily as conditions change.
Lane Transit District is offering free bus rides to cooling centers - more info online
Cooling Centers
- The Downtown Library is a designated cooling site and is open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday - Sunday. Both Sheldon and Bethel branches are open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and Noon - 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Regular services are available.
- Hilyard Community Center is a designated cooling site and is open 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Because of ongoing programming, there is a limited capacity in the lobby.
- Lane County Public Health - Cooling Center List and Extreme Heat Guidance and Tips
Community Centers are open for regular hours:
- Amazon and Petersen Barn community centers 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Hilyard Community Center 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Sheldon Community Center 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Campbell Community Center 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
With a great number of people seeking relief at one of Lane County's many waterways, our Lane County first responders would like to urge community members to use extreme caution when recreating. Use a life jacket and beware that many bodies of water remain cold despite the hot temperatures. If boating or swimming also beware of submerged hazards.
Human heatstroke symptoms can include: high body temperature, a fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you notice someone experiencing these symptoms, call 911 right away – heatstroke is a medical emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer tips for preventing heat stroke-related illness.
An FAQ about Extreme Heat and Public Health is available from Lane County.
Pet Safety
It is extremely important to remember these safety tips to keep your furry family members safe:
- Leave pets at home when running errands. Leaving your animal in a parked car, even for just a few minutes, can easily cause heat stroke or brain damage. On an 85-degree day, a car's interior temperature can climb to 104 degrees in 10 minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Dogs are especially vulnerable to heat stress because they do not sweat in the way that humans do; they release body heat by panting.
- Dogs should not ride in uncovered pickup truck beds. The hot metal truck bed can burn your pet’s paw pads.
- Keep pets inside during the heat of the day; do not leave them outside unattended.
- Make sure pets have access to water bowls full of cool, fresh water.
- When pets are outside, be sure to provide shaded areas for them to rest in and invest in a misting hose or kiddie pool for a cool place for your pets to play.
- Limit or skip on exercise and time at the dog park during the heat of the day.
- Always test the pavement or sand with your hand before setting out (too hot to touch is too hot for your pet), walk early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler, carry water and take frequent breaks in shady spots. If you suspect your pet’s paws have been burned, contact your vet immediately.
Animal heatstroke symptoms can include: restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, vomiting, and lack of coordination. If your animal is overcome by heat exhaustion, consult your veterinarian right away. If you notice an animal in distress or unresponsive in a parked car, first try and locate the pet’s owner and alert him or her to the animal’s condition. If you cannot find the animal’s owner, call 911.
If you notice an animal in distress or unresponsive in a parked car, call 911. If an animal is not in distress and it is quicker to locate the owner you may consider that in addition to calling for help.