During times of extreme heat, you can find information about cooling shelters at Multnomah County's webpage "Help for when it's hot."
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
Visit this interactive map to find the closest cooling spaces near you. Spaces could include outdoor misting stations, splash pads, interactive fountains, community centers, libraries and daytime cooling shelters.
The interactive map shows options for cooling throughout the city during the current extreme heat event. It may not be accessible to all assistive technology. Please contact 211info.org for help finding cooling spaces:
- Dial 211 or 1-866-698-6155
- TTY: dial 7-1-1 and call 1-866-698-6155
- Text your zip code to 898211 (TXT211) – M-F from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
- Email help@211info.org – Response within 24 hours
- Download the 211info app from the Apple App Store or the Android version from the Google Play Store.
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 activated for summer on June 15, 2024; running 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 call 211 to discuss transportation options.
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.
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Visit Washington County's map of cooling centers and splash pads.
Visit Clackamas County's website for 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.
Water recreation safety
Before recreating in the Willamette River, be sure to check Environmental Services' water quality tests for E. coli bacteria and if the Oregon Health Authority has issued advisories for harmful algae blooms.
Find important information from Portland Fire & Rescue for avoiding drowning and finding the right Personal Flotation Device or life jacket.
Worker safety
In Oregon, employees must have access to water, rest and shade on hot days. The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA) enforces rules to protect workers from the hazards of high heat and wildfire smoke.
Learn more about heat safety in the workplace and find information about heat illness prevention and planning tools.
Oregon OSHA provides this Heat Stress Card, with information in English and Spanish so you can identify symptoms of heat illness and help immediately.
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.
Utility bill assistance is available
Sewer, storm water and water
If you’re struggling to pay your sewer, stormwater, and water bill, we can help. Learn how to apply for a discount on your bill and view other resources for lowering your bill.
Other utilities, such as natural gas or electricity
211info.org has information about how you can find utility assistance on their website or by calling them at 2-1-1.
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.
Air quality and smoke
Check the Air Quality Index, which provides current information on how clean the air is and potential health risks.
Read more about how air pollution can affect your health at Multnomah County's webpage "Air Quality."
Do your part by staying up-to-date on health-related burn bans by visiting Multnomah County's website.
Fireworks and burn bans
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.
July 2, 2024: A burn ban has been issued by the Fire Marshal due to forecasted high temperatures, limited rainfall, and ongoing dry conditions effective immediately for the City of Portland. The burn ban includes recreational campfires, fire pits, yard debris, agricultural burning and permits issued for open burning until further notice. The burn ban will remain in effect throughout the summer weather season. Visit portland.gov/fire for up-to-date information.
Building inspections
Scheduled building inspections may be delayed due to extreme heat. For updates, visit the Bureau of Development Services.
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.
Video Tips in Multiple Languages
Short videos to help you stay safe in the heat are available in multiple languages: