Actions taken to keep people safe as temperatures soar
Portland Parks and Recreation interactive fountains and splash pads, like this one at McCoy Park in north Portland, are a great way to get some relief from the heat.
Five cooling centers have been opened and some Multnomah County libraries have extended their hours as temperatures near triple digits. The City of Portland is also opening outdoor misting centers, in addition to splash pads and pools.
Officials said coooling centers will be open today and Friday from noon to 9 p.m. at the Multnomah County East Building, 600 N.E. Eighth St. in Gresham; the Sunrise Center, 18901 E Burnside St.; the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th St., the Matt Dishman Community Center, 77 NE Knott St. and the Charles Jordan Community Center, 9009 N. Foss Ave.
The city of Portland is also opening outdoor misting centers at Glenhaven Park, Mt Scott Park, and Knott Park.
Also today, a Joint Office representing the city and Multnomah County reactivated a comprehensive, countywide outreach response that successfully distributed with the help of volunteers more than 66,000 bottles of water during June’s historic heat disaster.
The Joint Office 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.
Unlike the historical heatwave in June, forecasters say 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.
Portland Environmental Health offers the following recommendations:
People should take precautions when outdoors, especially during the hottest part of the day and especially people who might be more vulnerable to heat.
People can 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.
You should also never to leave anyone in a parked car, even in the shade with windows cracked.
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, you should drink more water than normal and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Wear lightweight, loose and light-colored clothing and take frequent breaks.
You are also encouraged to 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 911.
And 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.