Updated Sunday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m.
Cooling centers are NOT open at this time. Midland, Albina and Central Libraries will extend their open hours until 8 p.m. tonight, Sunday, Aug. 10; other libraries are open until 6 p.m.
Multnomah County and its partners are watching forecasts that show high temperatures on Sunday, Aug. 10, through Tuesday, Aug. 12, with temperatures possibly reaching the upper 90s or even 100 degrees. Overnight temperatures also are likely to stay relatively high as this forecast heat wave lingers through the early part of the week.
The County is ready to open cooling centers if and when thresholds are met in the coming days. If cooling centers open, information about locations and hours will be posted on this webpage (multco.us/hot).
Check this interactive map of libraries, community centers, malls, interactive fountains, swimming pools and splashpads for places you can go to cool off. Always confirm hours and locations of libraries before you go. Remember that some libraries are closed for construction.
Certain groups most at risk of heat-related illness
People facing the highest risk of heat-related illness include:
- Men over 55 who live alone.
- People without access to air conditioning.
- Pregnant people.
- People on certain medications.
- People who work in hot indoor or outdoor environments.
- People engaging in strenuous or new outdoor recreational activities (especially children on turf fields).
- People who have consumed alcohol.
Visit this page to learn about the symptoms of heat illness and how to respond. This information and printable materials are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Chinese, Arabic and Somali.
The County encourages people to check in on neighbors, friends and relatives; show up with water and a snack! Take action and make a plan together for getting them to cooler places, even for a few hours. Homebound people with no air conditioning are at greater risk as indoor spaces get steadily hotter.
>> Learn about the symptoms of heat illness and how to care of yourself and others during hot weather. <<
Learn about heat and water safety to prepare for weekend activities
There are several large outdoor events this weekend, and people should be especially mindful of the risks of heat exposure if they choose to attend or participate. Event organizers are preparing for the heat, and community members should do the same.
If you plan to seek relief from the heat in waterways, please swim and splash safely. Be aware of swift currents, cold water temperatures, hidden hazards and uneven bottom surfaces.
Everyone should take care when working or playing outside in the midday heat. Remember to drink more water and take cooling breaks. Even a few minutes of cooling can help prevent heat illness.
Worker safety
People who work outside are encouraged to drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade. Under Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) rules, outdoor workers are entitled to shade, breaks and water. Employers are responsible to protect their workers. Oregon OSHA has more information for workers about their rights under state law.
Know your rights: State restrictions on electricity disconnections
Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power cannot disconnect your electricity service on days with a severe heat alert or for 48 hours after a severe heat alert was in effect. Severe heat alerts include Heat Advisories, Extreme Heat Watches and Extreme Heat Warnings. The National Weather Services has put an Extreme Heat Warning in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Learn more about your protections and how to contact your provider if your power is disconnected.
County preparing for heat
The County has been working proactively to prepare the community for the heat. The Department of County Human Services has been reaching out to its community partners and property managers to share cooling resources along with information about the potentially hazardous heat.
This week, the Homeless Services Department in partnership with the County’s Office of Emergency Management activated its enhanced outreach program and began distributing cooling supplies to outreach teams, mutual aid groups and volunteers who will provide them to people experiencing homelessness across the county. So far, the County has provided outreach teams with 14,088 bottles of water, 600 reusable bottles, 1,200 cooling towels, 1,500 electrolytes, 1,500 sunscreen packets.
Support our community
If you’re interested in supporting our community during future heat events, prepare now to help out as an Emergency Shelter Volunteer if Multnomah County opens cooling centers or shelters (Disaster Resource Centers). Attend an upcoming info session or training — including one happening this week, and several in September.
Consider hosting a misting station. Or work with the Office of Emergency Management to create a Disaster Resource Center.
Bookmark these links
- National Weather Service: Check the forecast and plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of day.
- 211info: Dial 211 to find a cool space nearest you and to learn about transportation options.
- Public Alerts: Sign up to receive health and safety alerts in your area.
- Heat Risk Map: The National Weather Service forecasts heat risk for vulnerable populations.
- Clackamas County: Find cool spaces in Clackamas County.
- Washington County: Find cool spaces in Washington County.
