In response to the relentless heatwave, Multnomah County has reopened three daytime cooling centers due to another sweltering forecast and a night of minimal relief from the high temperatures. The centers are available from noon to 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 12, providing a reprieve for individuals and their pets, alongside essential provisions such as food and water. Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson had previously declared a state of emergency in light of the dangerously high temperatures, a measure that remains in effect. This information was initially provided in a Multnomah County news release.
To further assist residents during this heat crisis, TriMet has committed to not turning away any riders who are unable to pay their fare when headed to a cooling space from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. As per a Multnomah County announcement, riders should simply inform their bus operators that their destination is a cooling center. Dialing 2-1-1 continues to be a vital resource for individuals seeking cooling spaces or needing transportation assistance to such locations.
As part of its heat response, Multnomah County's libraries and active community centers, including the Lloyd Center, remain open with extended hours for those seeking to escape the heat. Cooling centers are just one facet of a more comprehensive strategy, with additional spaces listed on the County's interactive map, including pools and splashpads.
A cumulative total of 95 individuals made use of the three cooling centers on Monday, while an additional 260 people were served during extended library hours, as confirmed by a Multnomah County news release. Amid concerns of increased health risks due to consecutive days of heat, officials have especially urged the elderly, those with health conditions, and the unhoused, who are disproportionately affected, to seek cooler environments and stay hydrated.
