Heatwave resources
Oregon is experiencing higher temperatures than normal, and we know that may be a concern. Read below for immediate options, as well as resources for the future. See below for information about:
- Making a preparation plan
- Where to find cooling centers and transportation
- Tips for keeping your home cool
- When to seek care for heat-related illnesses
Making a preparation plan
Before the next heat wave hits, the best way to beat it is to be prepared.
- Decide if you need a fan or an AC unit
- If you have an AC unit, make sure it works
- Talk to friends, family and neighbors who live alone. Find out how they plan to stay cool and what support they need next time it gets hot
Check out our article for making a Heat Wave Plan for more information on what you can do when the temperature rises.
Cooling shelters
Here are some cooling shelters in the area. Click a county to see where they are located:
Multnomah County has an interactive map of library branches, community centers, misting stations, splash pads and other places you can go to help stay cool. This real-time map will help you find cooling resources closest to where you live.
Washington County has an interactive map of library branches, community centers, parks and other places you can go to help stay cool. This real-time map will help you find cooling resources closest to where you live.
Transportation options
If you don’t have access to transportation, our transportation partner may be able to help you get to a cooling shelter. Please call them directly:
- Ride to Care: 855-321-4899
Also, if the temperature reaches more than 100 degrees, TriMet will offer free rides to cooling centers.
Tips for staying cool
Here are some tips for staying cool during the heatwave:
- Close all of your blinds.
- Put damp, cool cloths on your face, under your arms and on the back of your neck.
- Take cool baths. If it gets too hot, consider going to a cooling center.
For more in-depth information on how to stay cool, check out our article, Ways to keep yourself and your house cool
Heat -related illness and when to seek care
Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. Learn the signs so you know what do to if you or a household member starts having symptoms.
- Heat stroke - a medical emergency
- Heat exhaustion - a mix of symptoms that could lead to a heat stroke if your body cannot cool down
- Heat cramps - muscle spasms that can happen to physically active people in hot weather
Know the symptoms of each of these three conditions by reading our in-depth article, Heat-related illnesses - when to seek care