From the archives: Phone calls to homes, additional cool spaces and misting centers open across Multnomah County as hot weather returns

July 29, 2021

In a first-of-its-kind intervention for heat, the city of Portland and Multnomah County Thursday began sending an automated phone message to all Multnomah County landlines, listed and unlisted, as well as to mobile numbers associated with a utility bill and to people who have opted into the Public Alert system.

Although the heat this week will not be as extreme as late June, the goal is to more broadly reach people who could potentially be at higher risk due to age and isolation. This short phone message urges caution. The calls will likely occur in geographic batches and may contain different information depending on a resident’s proximity to a specific cooling center.

You can sign up to receive these and other health and safety alerts at publicalerts.org/signup.

Also on Thursday  cooling centers will open and some Multnomah County libraries will extend their hours as temperatures near triple digits in the Portland metro region Thursday and Friday. The City of Portland is also opening outdoor misting centers, in addition to splash pads and pools.

Check Help for When it's Hot and our map of cool spaces to find an air-conditioned spot near you, as hours and locations may change. And don’t forget: if visiting a cool public space, bring a mask. If you forget to grab your own, ask for one when you arrive.

Cooling Centers

Open noon to 9 p.m. July 29-30. Pets welcome

Portland Community Centers and Misting Centers

Open noon to 9 p.m. July 29-30. Pets welcome, except Dishman

The City of Portland is also opening outdoor misting centers:

Libraries

Extended hours at some locations. 

>> View cool spaces in Washington County

>> View cool spaces in Clackamas County

Transportation

Multnomah County is working to provide transportation help through public transportation, Ride Share and cabs to and from the cooling centers. People can call 211 if they need assistance getting to a center.

People who rely on public transit can find links to cooling center locations on Trimet’s online TripPlanner. Riders who have questions about Trimet’s hot weather plans can dial 503-238-7433.

Homeless Services Outreach

Also today, the Joint Office will reactivate the comprehensive, countywide outreach response that successfully distributed more than 66,000 bottles of water during June’s historic heat disaster. More than 60 organizations participated, including mutual aid groups and county-funded outreach teams. Individual neighbors also participated and are encouraged to reach out again.

The Joint Office’s downtown supply center at SW 5th and Washington will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Saturday for community members who can make appointments to pick up water to distribute to neighbors without shelter. 

People do not need to be part of a registered nonprofit to make an appointment for water or cooling supplies. Those kinds of supplies are always available to a wide variety of organizations. On Thursday and Friday, contact Carol Bethard or Richard Gilliam at the Joint Office to make appointments. Email johssupplies@multco.us or call 503-310-7210.

Short, but still concerning

Unlike the historical heatwave in June, this week’s highs are unlikely to reach much beyond 100 during the day, and temperatures are expected to drop at night, allowing bodies to recover and homes to cool. This heat event is also expected to be shorter, with temperatures dropping again by the weekend.

“And now, five weeks into summer, our bodies are more acclimated to the heat,” said Environmental Health's Brendon Haggerty. 

How to stay cool during late July heat, 2021
How to stay cool during late July heat, 2021

But that doesn’t mean this heat isn’t a concern. People with certain health conditions and people spending time outside do need to be careful, Haggerty said. 

“One thing we often see during this type of event is that people who are working outside or exercising during the heat of the day are more likely to need medical attention,” he said. “So it’s important to limit those types of activities to the cooler morning hours.”

Environmental Health recommends people still take precautions, especially during the hottest part of the day and especially people who might be more vulnerable to heat. 

Haggerty recommended that people open windows and doors when temperatures are cool overnight and into the early morning hours. Then close the house and curtains to keep the space cooler. 

Outdoors

Never to leave anyone in a parked car, even in the shade with windows cracked. 

Anyone planning to spend time outdoors should do so during the coolest times of day.

If employers have indoor duties or lighter duties, it’s a good time to assign those; For employees who need to work outdoors, employers should make sure workers have lots of water and a cool place to take breaks.

For anyone who plans time outdoors:

  • Drink more water than normal

  • Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks

  • Wear lightweight, loose and light-colored clothing

  • Take frequent breaks

Watch out for each other

Check on family, friends and neighbors who might be especially vulnerable to the heat, including seniors, people taking mental health medications and people with heart disease, high blood pressure and other chronic health conditions.

People experiencing homelessness and others who must be outdoors during excessive heat are at particular risk of heat illness. 

  • Carry extra water in case you see someone who needs a drink.

  • If a person looks disoriented or confused, they might be suffering from the effects of heat. Help them move to a cooler place and consider dialing 9-1-1.

Keep pets cool

If it’s possible, bring your pets inside, if the space is cooler than outdoors.  If your animals stay outside, make sure they have shade and access to plenty of water. Consider turning on a sprinkler or filling a kiddie pool for your animals.

If you have to run errands, leave your pets at home.

>>Download and post these tips to stay cool during late July heat

People seek shade during June 2021 heat wave.

Help for When It's Hot

Information about cooling centers, cool spaces and other resources during hot weather.

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