In response to the ongoing heatwave, Multnomah County has announced the extension of its state of emergency and the reopening of three daytime cooling centers. The emergency, which has been in effect since July 5, will now last through July 10, according to an official news release from the county. Cooling centers at Cook Plaza, Portland Covenant Church, and Congregation Beth Israel opened their doors at noon on Monday and will continue to provide respite from the heat until 10 p.m. Monday and again on Tuesday.
As a part of emergency efforts, the county library system has also stepped up by extending the hours of Central Library and other locations across the city. These measures come after the Multnomah County Medical Examiner's Office reported investigating three suspected heat deaths. The individuals were found in different zip codes around the county, and although details remain scarce, investigations continue into whether these were indeed heat-related fatalities.
Volunteers are being sought to help staff the cooling centers, and information on how to signup can be found on the county's website. Residents are also encouraged to make use of other cool spaces, such as libraries and pools, during peak heat hours. For convenience, an interactive map detailing these locations is available online. The county's outreach efforts extend to TriMet offering fare amnesty to those traveling to and from cooling centers on the stipulated emergency dates.
Beyond providing a place to cool off, the cooling centers are offering additional services including food, water, and medical assistance. In partnership with Central City Concern, mobile medical vans will be present at some sites, offering on-the-spot healthcare including wound care and medication management. Dr. Richard Bruno, Multihuman County Health Officer, highlighted the partnership's ability to "reduce barriers" for accessing primary care services, emphasizing the importance of meeting people's needs where they are.
With air quality becoming an additional concern, health officials have issued a mandatory wood burning restriction further to a "Red Day" burning restriction issued on Monday. The constraints on burning are part of the efforts to tackle the increased air pollution accompanying the scorching temperatures. The county advises residents to refrain from having fires and to reach out to the county's resource number for information on woodsmoke status or to lodge a complaint.
As temperatures soar and the challenges mount for the vulnerable and unhoused populations, a state of emergency has also been declared by city and state officials, allowing for increased flexibility and resources in response efforts. The county, city, and the state are working in tandem to ensure the least possible harm from the rising mercury levels, urging people to utilize the cooling resources provided and to seek assistance if struggling with utility bills during these critical times.
If you see someone who appears to be in distress due to the heat or if you have concerns about an individual's wellbeing, consider reaching out to them or contacting the City of Portland's non-emergency number for a welfare check. In the case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
