You are currently viewing 02 – Urgent Info – Heat Emergency – Cooling Shelters – Air Conditioners – Health and Safety – Weekdays and Weekends

02 – Urgent Info – Heat Emergency – Cooling Shelters – Air Conditioners – Health and Safety – Weekdays and Weekends

Cooling Shelters – Air Conditioners – Health and Safety
Cooling Shelters & Emergency Assistance
Summer 2021 has had unusually warm weather with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Portland and other parts of the state.  Finding safe, cool shelter and staying hydrated (drinking water) can be important, as there may be health risks with exposure to such high outdoor temperatures.
Health and Safety Information
State of Oregon, Oregon Health Authority provides health information and FACT SHEETS and more in various languages.
Preventing Heat Related Illnesses Oregon (Oregon Health Authority) : 
First Aid Information (Multnomah County)
What should you do before a Heat Wave (Red Cross) :
Alerts for Excessive Heat Conditions  

NEW OR-ALERT System


alertOR-Alert is an effort to ensure statewide access to receive alerts, warnings, and notifications (AWN) systems, enabling real-time sharing of hazard information across Oregon’s 36 counties and tribal governments. This technology also allows county emergency managers to access notification tools including FEMA’s Integrated Alerts and Warnings System (IPAWS) which is capable of issuing messaging to all cell phones in a geographic area. This OR-Alert page will direct you to the sign up page for each county in Oregon.
Where to find a Cooling Center
HOURS Monday-Friday 8 am-6 pm
CALL 211 or 866-698-6155 
TEXT your zip code to 898211 (TXT211)
Cooling Center Websites Selected Counties
Washington County
Vision Action Network wants to pass on some useful information provided by Washington County to help residents protect themselves against extreme heat.
Cooling center information sheet (English/español)

Pet-friendly locations (para mascots)

  • St. Anthony’s Church in Tigard
  • Hillsboro Civic Center
Check out Washington County’s updates – Facebook English and españolpages

Multnomah County / Portlandhttps://www.multco.us/help-when-its-hot

Multnomah County Cooling Map ( Up-Dated Periodically)

Below is an interactive map for all of Multnomah County and specific locations of cooling locations in North and Northeast Portland.


Mult. Co colling location link


Cooling stations at libraries in North Portland:

Outside of Multnomah County? Click here for other locations across the state

Benton County / Corvallis
Polk County / Dallas
Marion County / Salem
 ROCC / Salem (open until 8pm extended hours for certain days)
 ARCHES / Turner
Linn County / Albany
CHANCE Heat Shelter  (water + snacks)
Air Conditioning and Energy Assistance
You may also be able to speak with your health care provider about health-related needs such as air conditioners.  Assistance may be available from local resources or a medical benefit through the Oregon Health Plan. For more information go to the Care Oregon website:  https://www.careoregon.org/members/more-careoregon-services/health-related-services
Have A Backup Plan For Heat Emergencies
Ready. Gov recommends that everyone have a backup plan for emergencies of all kinds, including extreme heat. Your plan should include what you can do before a heat emergency and how to be safe during the crisis. For important items to consider when creating a backup plan for heat emergencies visit  https://www.ready.gov/heat.   
  • How to keep your home cool and what to do if it gets too hot.
  • How to stay safe during a heat emergency
  • How to recognize and respond to heat-related illness
Responding to Extreme Heat For the Disabled
Disability Rights of Oregon warns that extreme weather can be a threat to people living with disabilities.  Use these links to learn more about the risks and respond to them.

From more information visit: https://www.droregon.org/extreme-heat-resources

Disability Rights of Oregon provides tips to help the disabled to stay safe and healthy

Drink a lot of water!

Many people don’t realize how much faster they get dehydrated when the heat is so intense. Some people have disabilities that may keep them from realizing how dehydrated they are. Avoid alcohol and energy drinks, as they can actually dehydrate you further.

The coolest place in your home

Find the coolest place to be in your home. Downstairs will usually be cooler than upstairs. Shadier places will be cooler than sunny places. Consider pulling curtains over windows facing the sun.

If you don’t have a home with air-conditioning, consider going to a public place with air conditioning, like a library, shopping center, theater, or other public building. Many public buildings around the state are open as cooling centers.

Make backup plan

Make a backup plan to stay cool. Make a plan for what to do if your home gets too hot. Even if you have air-conditioning, have a plan for what to do if the power goes out. Cooling centers and other public buildings are a good alternative.

Check the temperature in your home regularly

If you’re staying in a home without air-conditioning, use a thermometer or your thermostat to check the temperature in your home regularly. Some people who have disabilities and some people who are older have difficulty telling when their home has gotten too hot. As the temperature climbs, consider using a cooling center or other air-conditioned place for relief.

Beware parked cars!

Do not sit in a parked car, do not leave children in a parked car, and do not leave service animals, emotional support animals, or pets in a parked car! In intense heat and sunlight, it is not safe to stay in a parked car for any period of time, except with the engine on and the air-conditioning running.

The hottest part of the day

In Oregon, the hottest part of the day is usually between noon and evening. Take special care to stay cool and limit your activity during that time. If you choose to be active, early morning and late evening may be better timed to be active. Letting in cool air overnight can help keep your home from overheating.

Check-in with your network

If you live alone, check-in with family, friends, neighbors, and other supports regularly throughout the weekend.

Extreme Heat Can Make Asphalt Dangerous to animals and people!

Even under normal, temperatures can heat asphalt surfaces to and cause contact burns on the feet of animals and people. At only 87 Degrees, asphalt can heat to 143 Degrees Fahrenheit! But at 125 Degrees, skin can be destroyed in 60 seconds. Take steps to protect your animal’s feet and your own and to avoid heatstroke. Avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day, and make sure your dogs and other animals have access to shade and clean water.

Additional Resources
For additional resources:
  • Contact your county or city government
  • Local churches