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.
Last year, we saw 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
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.
Outdoor water features
Splash pads and interactive fountains can be found at city parks. Here is a complete list of locations and hours.
For details on other Portland Parks & Recreation programs that may be affected by heat, visit Portland Parks & Recreation weather updates.
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
The Benson Bubblers are on and providing safe and cool drinking water. Stay hydrated and use water to cool down as temperatures rise.
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.
How we're helping people experiencing unsheltered homelessness
The Joint Office of Homeless Services, a collaboration between the City of Portland and Multnomah County, is providing outreach and water to help people stay cool and hydrated during the heatwave. Read about the efforts here.
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
Due to extreme heat, scheduled building inspections may be delayed. For updates, visit the Bureau of Development Services.
Wildland Fire
Portland City Council unanimously approved new protocols for removing campers from wildfire hazard zones. Information regarding the city’s campsite removal policy in wildfire risks can be found here.
Stay up-to-date on burn bans by visiting Multnomah County's website.
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.