Excessive Heat Warning issued for Eugene area July 4-7

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of the Willamette Valley, including Eugene, for July 4-7. Temperatures are expected to 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 seven 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.)
• Striker Field Park (Grand Cayman Dr. N. and Antigua Dr.)
• Washington Park (2025 Washington St.)

Amazon Pool is open every day for drop-in lap swims, Rec swims and parent/child swims. A complete schedule is available on the Amazon Pool webpage. Echo Hollow Pool also has drop-in lap swims and Rec swims every day but is closed Sunday. A complete schedule is available on the Echo Hollow Pool webpage.

All pools will observe holiday hours July 4:

• Amazon Pool: lap swim and on-your-own fitness, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Rec swim 2-4:30 p.m.
• Echo Hollow Pool: lap swim and on-your-own fitness, 11 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. and Rec swim 1:45-4:30 p.m.
• Sheldon Pool: lap swim and on-your-own fitness, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Rec and lap swim 1:30-3:30 p.m.

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 and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Regular services are available. All locations will be closed July 4.
• The Downtown Library is relaxing some of its library rules and opening the Bascom/Tykeson Room as a separate cooling center. There will be tables and chairs set up around the room and access to and from the room will be from the sidewalk in front of the building. The biggest difference in what is allowed is people will be allowed to bring in their pets, eat and sit on the floor and lay down.
• 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. Hilyard Community Center will be closed July 4.

Community Centers are open for regular hours on July 3 and 5, closed July 4:

• 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. - 6 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. City staff may be seen taking breaks in shaded areas or air conditioned vehicles following guidance to prevent heat-related illnesses.

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.

Additional information about pet safety in hot conditions is available from the Humane Society of the United States.

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