County Opens First 24-Hour Cooling Center as Temps Soar

Clackamas County has opened its first 24-hour cooling center as the region endures the latest onslaught of triple-digit temperatures.

Highs are expected to climb over 100 for three straight days starting Wednesday — with Friday being the most dangerous day due to cumulative impacts. Overnight temperatures will remain in the 70s, which means people are not likely to find relief in the evening.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat advisory for the area, effective through 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14.

The 24-hour cooling center is located at the Clackamas County Development Services Building, 150 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City, and will be open 24 hours a day through 6 p.m. Saturday. There will be cots, water and food available to residents. Only service animals will be permitted.

“We are happy to be able to provide respite to residents who are experiencing homelessness, or are unable to stay cool during these extreme temperatures,” said Social Service Director Brenda Durbin. “This is the first time the county has opened its doors during extreme weather, and we really want people to be aware of this service so we can keep people out of the extreme heat.”

Canby’s Zoar Lutheran Church, 190 SW 3rd Ave., and Denny’s Restaurant, 1369 SE 1st Ave., are also operating as 24-hour cooling centers.

Zoar allows pets. Denny’s is open to all who need a break from the heat, with no obligation to purchase food. Call Zoar Lutheran at 503-539-8190 or Denny’s at 503-263-3193 for more information.

The Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., and Canby Public Library, 220 NE 2nd Ave., are also operating as cooling shelters during normal business hours.

For the most up-to-date list of cooling centers throughout the county, call 211 or visit www.clackamas.us/relief.

Clackamas County Public Health advises postponing outdoor events and activities during the heat advisory. Other tips for beating the heat include:

Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you are thirsty. Talk to your doctor first if you are on water pills.

Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.

Take a cool shower or bath.

Use air conditioning or a fan.

Wear lightweight and loose clothing.

Avoid eating raw oysters and undercooked shellfish. Eating raw oysters and other undercooked seafood can increase the chance you will get sick with vibriosis.

Check in on elders and vulnerable neighbors during warm weather — twice a day is best.

Never leave a person, child or a pet in a hot car.

Provide pets plenty of shade and water.

“Exposure to prolonged heat can lead to heat-related illness, even in young and healthy people,” said Dr. Sarah Present, Clackamas County public health officer. “People should limit outdoor activities to early morning or late evening, and go to local cooling centers or visit family or friends who have air conditioning to stay cool.”

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, fever, feeling faint or dizzy, nausea and vomiting, or severe muscle cramps. If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, be sure to move them to a cool location and have them drink fluids.