Cooling Centers Open In Wilsonville During Heat Wave

WILSONVILLE, OR — City officials will open cooling centers at several locations throughout Wilsonville during this week's expected heat wave, which according to forecasters will push high temperatures over 100 degrees for at least four days.

The Wilsonville Public Library, located at 8200 S.W. Wilsonville Rd., will open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 503-682-2744, or visit www.WilsonvilleLibrary.org.

South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) will operate a "cooling bus," complete with air conditioning and ice cold water, from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Riders can get on a cooling bus at the SMART central transit center at 9699 S.W. Barber St. For more information on other transit services or potential service disruptions, visit www.RideSmart.com and www.TriMet.org.

The Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Rd., will serve as a public cooling center on weekdays during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., officials said. For more information, call 503-682-3727.

The Brookdale Wilsonville assisted living facility located at 8170 S.W. Vlahos Dr. will open as a public cooling center everyday this week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. For more information call 503-682-0653.

Additionally, city officials offered a handful of tips and precautions for avoiding and recognizing heat-related health issues:

• Avoid the sun and strenuous activity, particularly between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• If possible, go to an air-conditioned building for several hours during the hottest parts of the day. Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, shopping at the mall, or cooling off at a pool or beach.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.
• Set your air conditioner. If you don't have air conditioning, take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air-conditioned facility.
• Drink plenty of fluids — even if you're not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first consult their physician.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 if planning on sun exposure.
• Stay in shaded areas whenever working outdoors.
• Check on older adults or persons with disabilities in your community who may need help coping with the heat.
• Be sure your pets have plenty of water and shaded areas.

Click here for a list of cooling centers in Clackamas County, and here for heat relief tips from Washington County.

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