Multnomah County Cooling Centers to Open Sept. 1 Through Sept. 7

An extended period of hot weather is expected in Multnomah County over the next week. Temperatures are expected to climb close to record highs in the upper 90s and, perhaps, low 100s over Labor Day weekend and into next week.

The heat will be dangerous for anyone without access to air conditioning, especially older adults or people with existing heart or lung problems. Children and people engaged in prolonged outdoor activities also will be vulnerable during this extended heat wave.

Multnomah County will operate three cooling centers during this extended period of hot weather. Cooling centers will open Friday, Sept. 1 through Thursday, Sept. 7 at the locations and times listed below. The County's interactive map also shows other places to cool down, including libraries.

• Multnomah County Walnut Park Building, 5325 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland (Weekdays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Weekends and Labor Day, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Multnomah County East Building, 600 NE 8th St., Gresham (Weekdays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Weekends and Labor Day, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 NE 40th Ave., Portland (Weekdays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Labor Day, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.)

Transportation to cooling centers can be arranged by calling Ride Connection at 503-226-0700. Advance reservations are encouraged. All rides are free of charge.

Pets and children are welcome at all three cooling center locations. Guests may be asked to put their pet in a provided crate. Each location also will have activities including board games and movies. Snacks and water also are available.

Community members are encouraged to check on elderly or vulnerable friends and relatives during this heat event and also to sign up to receive email alerts about future cooling center openings.

Here are a few tips for staying cool:

• Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. People with health conditions such as epilepsy or heart or kidney disease should talk to a doctor before increasing their consumption.
• Find the cool places. Visit a family member or neighbor with air conditioning, or go to the nearest public library, shopping mall or other cooled space.
• Dress for the weather. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Never wait in a parked vehicle or leave a child, elder or pet waiting in a parked car. Temperatures inside parked vehicles can rise dangerously high -- even with the windows open.
• Slow down. Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities until the heat of the day has passed.
• Stay out of the sun. Sunburn interferes with the skin’s ability to cool.
• Take a cool bath, shower or sponge bath. Cool water can help cool an overheated body.
• Pay attention to older adults, people with disabilities or health conditions.
• Check on those who are at-risk at least twice a day.

For additional tips, visit www.multco.us/help-when-its-hot.

Call for more information. The Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Helpline has resources for older adults and people with disabilities, including a list of senior centers, transportation services and 24-hour crisis intervention. Call 503-988-3646 or Telephone Relay Service (TRS) at 711.