With temperatures forecast to hit 100 degrees the next few days and to remain in the 90s for at least a week, OKNA encourages Overlook residents to take reasonable precautions. Drink plenty of water, wear light-colored clothes if heading outside and avoid doing outdoor work if possible. Also, please check in on potentially vulnerable neighbors such as seniors and people with disabilities.
For most people without air conditioning, the best thing to do is open windows overnight to let cool air in. Then, when temperatures begin to rise in the morning, close all windows and shades. Alternatively, visit a local library or other air-conditioned public facility to avoid the heat.
For seniors and adults with disabilities, Multnomah County is operating three cooling centers. The closest to Overlook is at the intersection of NE Killingsworth Street and Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. Details from the county:
Cooling centers will open Tuesday, Aug. 1 and remain open through at least Monday, Aug. 7 at the locations listed below. The centers may remain open beyond this date if the temperature remains above 90 degrees. All cooling centers will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.
- Multnomah County Walnut Park Building, 5325 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland
- Multnomah County East Building, 600 N.E. 8th St., Gresham
- Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 N.E. 40th Ave., Portland
Transportation to cooling centers can be arranged by calling Ride Connection at 503-226-0700. Advance reservations are encouraged. All rides are free of charge.
Pets and children are welcome at all three cooling center locations. Each location also will have activities including board games and movies. Snacks and water also are available.
Community members are encouraged to check on elderly or vulnerable friends and relatives and also to sign up to receive email alerts about future cooling center openings.
High temperatures can place a dangerous strain on older adults and those with heart and other health issues. According to the National Weather Service, the prolonged record-high temperatures will create a situation in which heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, are likely.