Heat safety
Periods of intense or prolonged heat can lead to heat-related illness, even in young and healthy people. Some people are at higher risk of experiencing heat-related illness, including elderly people, babies and young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases. Be sure to regularly check on friends, family members and neighbors who may be at increased risk.
On hot days, take these steps to keep yourself safe:
- Stay indoors, in AC, as much as possible
- Limit physical activity to morning and evening hours when temperatures are cooler
- Drink more water and other nonalcoholic fluids, regardless of activity level
- Limit intake of caffeine, alcohol or other sugary drinks
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
If you don’t have air conditioning at home, here are some things you can do to keep your home cooler:
- Close curtains and blinds on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
- Open windows during early morning and late evening hours when temperatures are cooler.
- Stay on the lowest floor of your home.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Limit or avoiding use of your oven and stove.
Visit our hot weather safety webpage for more tips.
Swim beach monitoring at local lakes
Planning a trip to a local lake? Be sure to check for water quality advisories first. Public Health monitors water quality at designated swim beaches throughout the summer to determine if the water is safe for swimming and recreation.
Routine water samples are collected from Vancouver Lake, Klineline Pond and Battle Ground Lake to test for bacterial contaminants. Water samples are also collected from waterbodies with harmful algal blooms to determine if toxins are present.
Visit the Current advisories webpage for the latest information.
Selling food at farmers markets and public events
Farmers markets and public events offer many opportunities for local food vendors to showcase and sell their products within the community. Food vendors have a variety of ways to offer new flavors, recipes and products to explore.
Clark County Public Health works with local food vendors on proper food handling practices. Before selling, serving, preparing or sampling food at public events or farmers markets, or coordinating food vendors for an event in Clark County, check out the frequently asked questions about temporary events webpage.
PFAS in public and private drinking water
Per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a large group of human-made chemicals used for decades in many products, such as water-resistant clothing, non-stick cookware, and cleaning products. When PFAS are made, used, disposed of, or spilled near water sources, like rivers, aquifers or wells, the chemicals can get into drinking water.
Scientists are still studying how PFAS affect people’s health. Some PFAS can build up in people’s bodies and, over time, may cause harmful health effects. Visit the PFAS in drinking water webpage to learn more.
Public Health news
Thursday, Jul 25, 2024
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