FAQs
How do staff members navigate the challenges of maintaining the well-being of AICs under extreme heat conditions, especially in facilities without air conditioning?
All our DOC institution locations are complaint with Oregon OSHA standards for ambient heat. Employees are required to take Ambient Heat training upon hire and annually thereafter.
Additionally, each location has a written ambient heat plan that details what their location is doing to prevent and address ambient heat illness. They conduct additional training, communication, education, and preventative measures pending the heat activation level for their area (i.e.: daily communication, information posters, rest break schedules, shut down recreation yards/outside work crews, have ice available to mention a few options).
Part of every location’s ambient heat written plan includes the AIC population. (i.e.: when we shut down work crews, close outside activities, provide extra work crew breaks, communication, education, posters in the facility.)
Why do certain facilities lack air conditioning or have air conditioning only in specific areas?
Our oldest institutions, which are based in the Willamette Valley were constructed in the 1950s or earlier, and do not have central air-conditioning. The following institutions do not have central cooling: Oregon State Penitentiary – OSP (Salem), South Fork Forest Camp (Tillamook), Santiam Correctional Institution (Salem). These facilities rely on alternative cooling methods during periods of hot weather.
Some of these measures include the use of swamp coolers and fans, providing access to ice water for AICs and staff, shutting down outdoor recreation, using alternative work schedules, and additional breaks.
In our newer facilities - where infrastructure is available, and air conditioning (A/C) was built into the design - there is A/C. This depends on the location and age of the facility
Are there any plans or considerations to retrofit or upgrade facilities without air conditioning, given the growing risks associated with extreme heat events?
DOC hired an engineering firm to assess all institutions cooling and air purification status. At an institution like OSP, which was built in the 1800s, installation and engineering central cooling systems, will be an extremely complex endeavor, and will require a significant financial investment. Currently, DOC does have a timeline for retrofitting these facilities as funding has not been approved to do so by the Legislature.
How can Adults in Custody cool off in their cells?
The adults in custody can purchase fans and cooling towels from canteen to have in their cells. If the adults in custody do not buy cooling towels, they are issued hand towels that they are able to wet in their cell sinks to help themselves cool off.
Are outdoor activities suspended or altered during periods of extreme heat?
As part of each facility's ambient heat plan, when weather reaches a certain temperature the facility will close outside activities, create alternative work schedules to accommodate the heat of the day, provide shade to those working outside, and provide extra breaks.