Check on family, friends and neighbors
Some people are more at risk for any heat, including people with health conditions, the very young and very old.
In recent years, we have seen that people who lived alone and did not have air conditioning experienced the highest rates of illness and death. Check in with neighbors, family and friends who live alone.
Access support services and tips to stay safe and healthy. Visit the PublicAlerts Extreme Heat page.
Cool down at these locations
Outdoor water features
There are several interactive (ok-to-play-in-them!) park fountains on right now across the city. Before you go, check this webpage for locations and hours.
Splash pads in parks will be on starting June 14, 2023, 10 am-8 pm daily.
For details on other Portland Parks & Recreation programs that may be affected by heat, visit Portland Parks & Recreation weather updates.
Indoor cooling spaces
During heat advisories and extreme heat events, Multnomah County and the City of Portland will provide cooling spaces, such as libraries and community centers. Check locations and status on Multnomah County's "Help for when it's hot" webpage.
For a map of cool spaces, view this interactive map.
Transportation
If cooling centers are opened, you can find transportation to them by calling 2-1-1.
There may be delays to TriMet service due to the excessive heat. Information about TriMet operations during hot weather, including adjustments to the MAX and WES systems, is at trimet.org/heat.
Visit Washington County's map of cooling centers and splash pads.
Visit Clackamas County's website for cooling centers. Transportation to Cooling Centers
Stay hydrated
Portland’s tap water is some of the best water in the world. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Save money and reduce your use of plastics by filling reusable water bottles with tap water before heading outdoors or taking car rides. Don’t forget to fill your pets’ water bowls regularly. Our historic Benson Bubblers and other drinking water fountains are on and providing safe, cool drinking water around-the-clock.
Worker safety
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA) has adopted new temporary rules regarding shade, cool water, and breaks to protect workers during high heat. Measures are triggered when the heat index reaches 80° and 90°. The rules are in effect for 180 days while permanent rules are considered.
On August 2, 2021, OHSA released an amendment to address high ambient temperatures in labor housing. On August 3, 2021, OSHA enacted temporary wildfire smoke rules that will require employers to provide N95 masks to employees when the Air Quality Index reaches more than 101. Both new rules take effect August 9, 2021, and remain in effect for 180 days. You can read all three rules here.
Portable air conditioner safety
Portable air conditioners should only be plugged directly into wall outlets. Using an extension cord or surge protector may cause a fire because they are not rated high enough to safely power a portable unit. Even a new cord in good condition can overheat and catch fire. Also, do not run the cord from the unit under a rug or through a wall. This can also lead to overheating and put the electrical cord in contact with flammable materials. Read more tips for preventing fires.
Water safety
Find important information from Portland Fire & Rescue for avoiding drowning and finding the right Personal Flotation Device or life jacket.
How we're helping people experiencing unsheltered homelessness
The Joint Office of Homeless Services, a collaboration between the City of Portland and Multnomah County, provides outreach and water to help people stay cool and hydrated during heatwaves.
Also for heat events, our Homeless and Urban Camping Impact Reduction crews will have water to distribute and will cease removing personal property if and when the temperature is at or exceeds 96 degrees Fahrenheit.
Garbage service
Residential customers: On very hot days, waste collection drivers may start earlier than normal. To avoid a missed pickup, set out garbage, recycling, and compost bins the night before. Learn more.
Building inspections
Scheduled building inspections may be delayed due to extreme heat. For updates, visit the Bureau of Development Services.
Wildland Fire
Stay up-to-date on burn bans by visiting Multnomah County's website.
Fireworks sales and usage are banned in the City of Portland year-round. More information about the fireworks ban in the City of Portland can be found here.
Climate Emergency
Portland has an important role to play in addressing climate change, the underlying driver of extreme weather. Find out more about the City’s progress on our shared climate emergency.