Three Cooling Centers Open In Multnomah County This Week

PORTLAND, OR — As temperatures begin to increase Tuesday, Multnomah County officials announced the opening of three cooling centers in Northeast Portland and Gresham during this week's heat wave — which is expected to bring three to four days of triple-digit temperatures.

Opening Aug. 1 through Aug. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, the cooling centers are expected to provide relief to folks who might not have any other means of beating the heat.

The centers are located at:

• Multnomah County Walnut Park Building — 5325 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Portland
• Multnomah County East Building — 600 N.E. Eighth St. in Gresham
• Hollywood Senior Center — 1820 N.E. 40th Ave. in Portland

Transportation to any of the above locations is available through Ride Connection. Call 503-226-0700 to arrange for pickup or make reservations for a free ride. Pets and children are welcome and will have board games, movies, and snacks to enjoy.

Here are a few tips for staying cool courtesy of Multnomah County:

• 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.
• For additional tips, visit www.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.

Photo Courtesy: Multnomah County