Originally published: Monday, August 11
With temperatures soaring around 100 degrees Monday and Tuesday, Multnomah County residents can find reprieve from the extreme heat wave at cooling centers and local libraries.
Multnomah County has declared a state of emergency, and reopened three daytime cooling centers at noon today. Four county library branches—Albina, Central, Gresham, and Midland—will also remain open until 8 pm tonight.
The following locations will function as cooling centers from noon to 9 pm Tuesday. Pets are welcome, and food and water will be provided.
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Gateway Church, 13300 N.E. San Rafael St., Portland, operated by Cultivate Initiatives
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Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 N.W. Flanders St., Portland, operated by Do Good Multnomah
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Portland Covenant Church, 4046 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, operated by Multnomah County
In accordance with its extreme weather policy, TriMet won't turn anyone away for lack of fare if they're traveling to or from an emergency cooling center between 11 am and 10 pm today.
Those in search of reprieve from the heat have other options, too—check out this countywide map for some ideas.
Heat doesn't impact everyone the same. People who are pregnant, have health conditions, and those spending prolonged time outside, among others, face particular risks. But anyone toughing it out in a place without air conditioning can suffer, so health experts advise everyone to seek relief in a cool spot. And be sure to drink plenty of water.
For help finding a cool space or for transportation assistance to a cooling location, dial 2-1-1.







