Multnomah County Opens Cooling Centers

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Multnomah County area as temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s and, perhaps, into triple digits on Monday. The watch began Sunday at noon and extends to 8 p.m. today.

Three cooling centers will open in Multnomah County on those days, as well as on Tuesday, August 29, to help seniors and people with disabilities and other health conditions stay safe.

A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. Hot temperatures create dangerous situations during which heat illnesses are possible. Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for the most vulnerable in our community.

Cooling centers will open Monday, Aug. 28 and Tuesday, Aug. 29 at the locations listed below. The centers will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.

• Multnomah County Walnut Park Building, 5325 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland
• Multnomah County East Building, 600 NE 8th St., Gresham
• Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 NE 40th Ave., Portland

Transportation to cooling centers can be arranged by calling Ride Connection at 503-226-0700. Advance reservations are encouraged. All rides are free of charge.

Pets and children are welcome at all three cooling center locations. Guests may be asked to put their pet in a provided crate. Each location also will have activities including board games and movies. Snacks and water also are available.

Community members are encouraged to check on elderly or vulnerable friends and relatives during this heat event and also to sign up to receive email alerts about future cooling center openings.

Here are a few tips for staying cool:

• Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. People with health conditions such as epilepsy or heart or kidney disease should talk to a doctor before increasing their consumption.
• Find the cool places. Visit a family member or neighbor with air conditioning, or go to the nearest public library, shopping mall or other cooled
• Dress for the weather. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Never wait in a parked vehicle or leave a child, elder or pet waiting in a parked car. Temperatures inside parked vehicles can rise dangerously high -- even with the windows open.
• Slow down. Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities until the heat of the day has passed.
• Stay out of the sun. Sunburn interferes with the skin’s ability to cool.
• Take a cool bath, shower or sponge bath. Cool water can help cool an overheated body.
• Pay attention to older adults, people with disabilities or health conditions.
• Check on those who are at-risk at least twice a day.
• For additional tips, visit multco.us/help-when-its-hot
• Call for more information. The Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Helpline has resources for older adults and people with disabilities, including a list of senior centers, transportation services and 24-hour crisis intervention. Call 503-988-3646 or Telephone Relay Service (TRS) at 711.