Governor declares state of emergency as Salem temperatures rise
People cool off in the Willamette River at Wallace Marine Park on Saturday, June 26. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Gov. Kate Brown on Thursday declared a state of emergency in 23 Oregon counties, including Marion and Polk, because of excessive heat forecasted in the coming days. The declaration will allow counties to access additional resources to respond to triple digit temperatures.
“As Oregon faces another high heat event, it’s important that we make available all needed resources to assist every level of government helping Oregonians stay safe and healthy,” Brown said in a statement.
Salem is expected to see a high of 100 degrees Thursday afternoon and a high of 102 degrees Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Brown has directed the state Office of Emergency Management to activate the state’s Emergency Coordination Center, and state agencies to provide any assistance requested by OEM. The Oregon Health Authority will activate the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Oregon, the state’s roster of licensed physicians, nurses, EMTs, and other health professionals to respond to the heat.
This article was updated to include Polk County after the governor’s office updated the list of affected counties.
-Saphara Harrell
