Cooling Centers Open In Multnomah County

In response to forecasts calling for extreme heat and poor air quality across the Portland metro region throughout Labor Day weekend and possibly into mid-week, Multnomah County officials will open cooling centers between Sept. 1 and Sept. 7.

Additional locations, such as public libraries and community fountains that will also provide relief from the heat, can be found on the county's interactive map of places to get cool over the next few days. (Click the map to be redirected to the county's website.)

Locations also include:

• Multnomah County Walnut Park Building, 5325 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Portland
  • Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Multnomah County East Building, 600 N.E. Eighth St. in Gresham
  • Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 N.E. 40th Ave. in Portland
• Saturday and Labor Day from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ride Connection can provide transportation to cooling centers free of charge, though reservations are encouraged. Secure a ride by calling 503-226-0700.

Pets and kids are welcomed at all three county cooling centers, officials said, though some visitors may be asked to kennel their pets — but not their kids. Snacks, water, board games, and movies will be available at all three centers.

County officials also provided the following tips for staying cool during extremely hot weather:

• 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 space.
• 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.

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.

Image: gautruc_hoangmai via Pixabay.com