July 6, 2024 8:00 a.m.

On Friday, Governor Tina Kotek declared a statewide extreme heat emergency as the state is facing high temperatures both day and night, forecast through Tuesday.

Kotek said, “Extreme weather events are now the new normal for Oregon. Right now, state and local governments are on a path to strengthen our preparedness and response, not only this year but for the years to come”.

Kotek said, “The need for emergency declarations should decrease over time if we continue on this path – ensuring more Oregonians have air conditioning in the summer months and heat in the winter months, that our electrical grid is modern and resilient, that communities have public spaces and green places that provide relief, and where families have a plan to stay safe and help others do the same in severe weather”.

A release from the Governor’s Office and from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management said state, local and tribal agencies continue to respond to requests for emergency cooling shelters, transportation assistance, and distribution of life-sustaining supplies including water and medical services.

The Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon State Police, Oregon Public Utility Commission and other state agencies will be directed to provide any assistance requested by OEM that is necessary to assist in the response to the emergency and to provide all necessary support to statewide response, recovery and mitigation efforts.

The release said Oregonians are encouraged to conserve energy and reduce consumption to the extent possible to avoid power disruptions and reduce the strain on the energy grid, such as avoiding the use of major appliances during peak morning and evening energy demand periods. Oregonians are encouraged to practice extreme caution and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

To get lifesaving alerts and instructions during emergencies, go to: OR-Alert : Emergency Notifications : State of Oregon (oralert.gov)