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PORTLAND, Oregon. - Portland native Linda Brown, stopped into the Multnomah County Library to grab two key items she didn’t have at home, a good book and some much needed air conditioning.

“Today is the hottest so far and this feels really good,” Brown said.

With temperatures touching triple digits, the retired RN says her concern is growing for those vulnerable communities. On Monday afternoon, the county confirmed four deaths of men aged 33, 64, 75 and 84-years-of-age, all likely due to the high temperatures and called them, “tragic but preventable.”

“I didn’t know that, it’s hard to hear,” Brown said. “I’d like to see more people able to use this for a long period of time; even overnight.”

When temperatures climb, heat-related illness can develop in as little as 10 to 15 minutes and it can happen whether you are indoors or outdoors.

A few blocks from the library, Terrance and his dog, Blue, are taking advance of not only extended cooling center and shelter hours but also these mobile health care units to check in on those taking in these sweltering conditions.

“It’s here so I can get a checkup, make sure the pipes are working the right way,” Terrance said.

Of course, the main point for many, is to stay ahead of any potential overheating.

“Plenty of water,” Terrance said. “A few showers if I can, get water on my dog and hydrate.”

With this heatwave sticking around, city officials and residents alike, should think it all those most susceptible this summer.

“We need to consider all kinds of people, not just the unhoused but also those living by themselves without air conditioners,” Brown said.