Oregon heat wave: Where and how to stay cool in Salem

With an excessive heat watch in effect starting Thursday, the Salem area is bracing for multiple days above 100 degrees.

The heat is forecast to begin on the Fourth of July and peak Friday and Saturday.

Meteorologists said they are most concerned for people without access to air conditioning and in apartments — a group that accounted for the bulk of those who died in the 2021 heat dome.

In the 2021 heat dome, 123 people died in Oregon because of the heat wave , according to the Center for Health Statistics.

City, state and county leaders, along with service providers, are bracing for the heat wave.

In an announcement Wednesday, Gov. Tina Kotek reminded Oregonians to take extra safety and wildfire precautions during the holiday weekend.

“Oregon will experience record-breaking heat across the state this holiday week,” Kotek said. “While extreme heat can be deadly for anyone, certain groups — children, elders, people with disabilities, and people who work outside — face additional risk. Also, remember to check on your neighbors, especially those who might not have access to air conditioning."

State agencies are mobilizing resources and activating the state Emergency Coordination Center throughout the heat wave.

“High heat can also be a catalyst for wildfires," Kotek said. "I strongly urge all Oregonians to practice extreme caution this weekend, stay cool, and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.”

Places to stay cool in Salem

The 2021 heat dome hit during the COVID-19 pandemic when many of the typical cooldown locations were limited or shuttered, like the Salem Public Library.

Since reopening in fall 2021, the Salem Public Library has remained a key option for residents needing to escape the elements during the day. The library will be closed on the Fourth of July but will reopen from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Due to staffing limitations, the library is closed Sunday and Monday.

Kids can play in the library's Discovery Room, attend storytime and check out books. Adults can check out books, use computers and browse the Library of Things. The Teen Scene section also offers a variety of activities and hangout space.

The city's Center 50+ at 2615 Portland Road NE will also be open Friday and Saturday.

Some day center locations will serve as cooling centers during the heat, including the Salem Kroc Center.

Located at 1865 Bill Frey Drive NE, the Salvation Army Cooling Center is located near Cherriots Route 23.

The Hub community room in the center will have air conditioning, cold water, movies and activities for all ages for free. Pets are not allowed.

The cooling center will be open Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

When temperatures reach above 90 degrees, the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency's ARCHES Project initiates its extreme weather response plan.

This plan includes expanding day center hours and deploying outreach teams.

ARCHES Day Center is located north of Marion Square Park at 615 Commercial St. NE. The center offers services, basic necessities and meals.

"During excessive heat events, providing cooling centers and street outreach services isn't just about comfort; it's a lifeline for our community's unsheltered and at-risk populations," said Ashley Hamilton, Chief Program Officer for MWVCAA.

Beginning Thursday, MWVCAA will activate their response plan by strategically deploying street outreach teams throughout Marion and Polk Counties and operating cooling centers in Salem, Mill City, and Woodburn.

Outreach teams will deploy daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. when temperatures are above 90 degrees.

These teams provide unsheltered individuals with essential supplies, including water and electrolytes, to help them stay hydrated. Outreach workers will also assess people for signs of heat-related illnesses and offer transportation to cooling centers.

MWVCAA will extend hours at its day center until 7 p.m. when temperatures exceed 95 degrees and dedicate staffing at Mill City and Woodburn sites.

Agency officials said these low-barrier, pet-friendly cooling centers are welcome to all who need asafe refuge from the sun’s intensity.

Guests utilizing these centers will have access to water, snacks, and navigation assistance to help individuals meet their healthcare and permanent housing goals.

"Unsheltered individuals are already vulnerable due to the complexities of their housing status and often have complicated medical conditions," Hamilton said. "Extreme weather and heat can exacerbate these concerns, making the Agency's efforts even more crucial in preserving human dignity and health. It is through these efforts we display compassion in motion while tackling the dangers posed by extreme weather to save the lives of our fellow neighbors."

MWVCAA is inviting community members to get involved by donating or volunteering. Donations of bottled water, electrolytes, and other heatwave essentials can be made at the ARCHES Lodge located at 1875 Fisher Road NE.

Community members can also sign up to volunteer at the Day Center. For more information about donating or volunteering, visit our website at mwvcaa.org/programs/emergency-services or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/SalemARCHES.

Salem cooling center locations and hours of operation

Thursday:

• ARCHES Day Center - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: 615 Commercial St. NE, Salem

• Woodburn Cooling Center - Noon to 7 p.m. Location: 1560 Hardcastle Ave., Woodburn

Friday to Sunday:

• ARCHES Day Center - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Location: 615 Commercial St. NE, Salem

• The Drop-In - 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Location: 1255 Broadway Street NE Suite 110, Salem. This site is for youth 11-17 or 18 if still enrolled in school or a GED program.

• Woodburn Cooling Center - Noon to 7 p.m. Location: 1560 Hardcastle Ave., Woodburn

• Santiam Outreach Community Center (SOCC) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (extended to 7 p.m. if temperatures are above 95) Location: 280 NE. Santiam Blvd, Mill City. This site will be closed on Sunday.

Call (971) 304-9211 or email emergencyservices@mwvcaa.org for more information.

Tips on avoiding heat-related illnesses

Ahead of the heat wave, the Oregon Health Authority advises people to take steps to take to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

"Older adults, infants and children, those who live or work outdoors, have low incomes, or who have a chronic medical condition are particularly vulnerable to the effects of extremely high temperatures," OHA officials said. "Heat-related illnesses among these groups are likely to increase as heat waves occur more often than usual — and at higher temperatures — around the state."

Here are some ways to stay healthy during extreme heat.

• Stay in air-conditioned places, if possible.
• Limit exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when temperatures are hottest, and avoid direct sunlight. Schedule outdoor activities in the early morning and late evening.
• Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate if it cools off in the morning and evening hours. Close shades on south and west-facing windows during afternoon hours.
• Use portable electric fans to push hot air out of rooms or draw in cooler air, but don’t rely on a fan as a primary cooling device.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing to keep cool and protect skin from the sun. Dress infants and children similarly.
• Use cool compresses, misting and cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.
• Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car.
• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors several times a day. Heat-related illnesses can make it hard to think clearly. This means people may be in danger without realizing it. Make sure loved ones have what they need to stay cool.
• Regardless of your level of activity, drink plenty of fluids, even if you are not thirsty, and especially when working outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar, which can increase dehydration. Alcohol can be especially dangerous when used as a substitute for water hydration and increases risks of alcohol-related injuries.
• Keep up to date on the heat risk and heat index when planning activities so you can find ways to stay cool and hydrated.
• Learn how to prevent, recognize and treat heat-related illnesses.
• Heat-related illness can develop in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. It can happen indoors and outdoors.
• Some heat-related illnesses can be managed at home or at urgent care. However, if you or someone you see is experiencing confusion or unconsciousness due to heat exposure, call 911. It is a medical emergency.

Ways to stay cool without an air conditioner

• Air conditioners can help you stay cool, but not everyone has one. Visiting friends with an air conditioner or going to cooling centers i n your community can help you stay cool.
• Local houses of worship and libraries may be open to the public during times of extreme heat. Splash pads and shopping centers can also be places to cool off.
• Water is also great for cooling you off when it’s hot. Drape yourself with a damp towel, take a cool bath or shower or take a dip in a fountain. These actions can help cool you off in a hurry and work better when it’s not humid.
• If you have a cooler part of the house, such as a basement, spend time there during the hottest parts of the day.

For more information, visit OHA’s website: oregon.gov/heat.

Air conditioners for eligible OHP members

Oregon launched new climate-related benefits as part of the state’s federally funded expansion of Oregon Health Plan coverage.

This includes health-related social needs services that help maintain health and well-being but are not traditionally thought of as medical services such as air conditioners, air filters, mini refrigeration units and portable power supplies to eligible OHP members.

OHP members interested in receiving climate devices should contact their coordinated care organization CCO to learn more. OHP Open Card members can call 1-888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com . If an OHP member is not sure which plan or CCO they are in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557.

The Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 1536 to limit landlords' ability to restrict renters from installing portable air conditioners and also directed $5 million to the Oregon Health Authority to create a program to purchase and distribute air conditioners and filters on an emergency basis to eligible individuals.

Contact 211

During periods of extreme heat, counties open cooling spaces for local communities to seek relief from high temperatures. These will be listed at bit.ly/4cMSjpD by county, based on the information shared with 211 by the shelter providers.

Methods to contact 211:

• CALL 211 or 1-866-698-6155 or TTY: dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• TEXT your ZIP code to 898211 (TXT211), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• EMAIL help@211info.org , Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Language interpreters available by phone; text and email in Spanish and English)

Burn bans issued

A county-wide burn ban in Polk County started on Monday.

That burn ban only applies to brush piles including things like rubber, plastic, garbage, asphalt and industrial waste.

Burning in contained fire pits and barbecues is still allowed, according to Polk County Fire District No. 1 spokesperson Emmanuel Goicochea.

As of July 3, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts are in fire season.

"This means that to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan to visit or recreate," ODF officials said. "As we move into the Fourth of July and the holiday weekend, it’s important to remember that forests and fireworks DO NOT MIX."

Fireworks are banned in all state forest-designated recreation sites including campgrounds, camping areas, day-use areas, trailheads, staging areas and boat launch sites.

“Mid-July and August are known for high fire occurrence due to increased lightning activity, but human activities continue to be the leading source of Oregon’s wildfires," said Chris Cline, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Protection Division Chief. "Right now is the time to practice fire safety and preparedness. Wildfire is already on the landscape."

As of Wednesday, Salem was not changing its fire danger but will continue to monitor weather conditions.

PGE encourages customers to safely reduce power use during extreme temperatures

Portland General Electric officials are encouraging customers to reduce power use during the heat wave to support service reliability.

The high heat means customers are using more electricity to cool their homes and businesses, PGE officials said. High demand places extra stress on electrical equipment, leading to power outages.

Summer power use typically peaks between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. During these periods, company officials advise residential customers to take the following actions as safety allows:

• Use a thermostat to manage temperatures carefully for air conditioning
  • Turn the thermostat up a few degrees to help reduce power consumption.
  • If temperatures cool down enough for comfort, consider turning the AC off at night and opening windows to cool with outside air.
  • During daytime hours, run the AC only when home and keep daytime temperatures at the highest comfortable level. Cool only rooms lived in.
• Avoid using large electrical appliances like ovens, dishwashers and washing machines during peak morning and evening electricity use periods.
• Consider setting electric cars to charge during off-peak hours.
• Turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment like home entertainment systems, computers, copiers and lights when not in use.

PGE officials said high demand places stress on electrical equipment, leading to power outages. Residents are advised to have an outage kit with supplies like flashlights, chargers, frozen cold packs, batteries and water ready just in case.

Learn more energy-saving tips at portlandgeneral.com/tips .

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com , call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon heat wave: Where and how to stay cool in Salem