When there's severe weather in Washington County, the Severe Weather Shelter system is activated. There are several daytime Cooling Centers available.
For more information about these and other cooling center sites on conventional phones, call 211info (dial 211). They have the latest information for the Metro area, including Washington County. To access 211info Information and Referral by cell phone, call 503-222-5555.
The most current and up-to-date information on Cooling Centers, maintained by Washington County
Beaverton
- Beaverton First Baptist
- 5755 SW Erickson Avenue, Beaverton
- Tri-Met #88
- Singles, families, youth
- No pets
- Light lunch provided
- 12 noon to 7 pm, Tuesday 7/28–Thursday, 7/30
Hillsboro
- Hillsboro Main Library
- 2850 Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro
- Trimet, bus #46
- 10 am – 8 pm ( Mon. – Fri.)
- Hillsboro Senior Center
- 750 SE 8th Avenue, Hillsboro
- Trimet, bus #57
- 9 am – 9 pm (extended hours, Mon. – Fri.)
- Shute Park Branch Library
- 775 SE 10th Avenue, Hillsboro
- Trimet, bus #57
- 10 am – 8 pm (Mon. – Wed.)
10 am – 6 pm (Thurs., Fri.) - Sonrise Church
- 6701 NE Campus Way, Hillsboro
- Trimet: buses #47, #48, and Orenco Station/NW 231st MAX
- Singles/Family — all served.
- Limited pet space
- Meal provided (light lunch and water)
- 12 noon to 5 pm, Tuesday 7/28 – Friday 7/31
- Tyson Recreation Center
- 1880 NE Griffin Oaks St, Hillsboro
- Trimet, bus #46
- 5 pm – 9 pm (extended hours, Mon. – Fri.)
- West Police Precinct
- 250 SE 10th Avenue, Hillsboro
- Trimet, buses #47, 48
- 3 pm – 9 pm (Mon. – Fri.)
- Westport Church
- 20085 NW Tanasbourne Drive, Hillsboro
- 10 am – 4 pm (Tues., Thurs. & Fri.)
Special Populations
- Rolling Hills Community Church
- 3550 SW Borland Road, Tualatin
- Homeless only
- Van will pickup homeless persons at:
- Tigard Chamber, 11:30 am
- Tualatin Grocery, 11:45 am
- 12 noon – 5 pm, Wednesday 7/29 and Thursday 7/30
- Safe Place Youth Shelter
- 454 SE Washington Street, Hillsboro
- Trimet: bus #57, and Hillsboro Central Transit Center Max Stop (at 3rd Ave)
- Homeless teens (Ages 14 to 19 years only)
- Day Use
- No Pets
- Meal provided (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- open 24 hours, Tuesday 7/28 – Friday 7/31
- Singing Hills Christian Church
- Seniors only
- 3025 SE River Road, Hillsboro
- 10 am – 4:00 pm, Thursday 7/30 only
- Sunwest Retirement & Assisted Living Homes
- for seniors only
- Fisher's Landing
17171 Southeast 22nd Dr., Vancouver
360-885-1400 - Hillside
300 NW Hillside Park Way, McMinnville
503-472-9534 - Oswego Springs
11552 Lesser Rd., Portland
503-542-4747 - Park Place
8445 SW Hemlock, Portland
503-245-8985 - River Valley Landing
19200 SW 65th Ave., Tualatin
Trimet bus #76
503-692-3192 - Rose Valley
33800 SE Frederick, Scappoose
503-543-4646 - Sellwood Landing
8517 SE 17th Ave., Portland
Trimet bus #70
503-542-4800 - Windfield Village
8170 SW Vlahos Dr., Wilsonville
503-682-0653
- Fisher's Landing
Unless noted, everyone is welcome at any of the cooling stations. Children should be accompanied by an adult. For a recorded message regarding the location and hours of available Hillsboro cooling stations, please call 503-681-5295.
If you choose to tough it out at home, remember these tips from the City of Hillsboro and the Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services:
- Keep air circulating with fans; take cool sponge baths.
- Go to an air-conditioned building if possible.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing. If going out, wear a hat.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
- Check up regularly on elderly neighbors and relatives.
- Drink lots of water or non-alcoholic beverages before you get thirsty.
- Avoid alcohol and coffee.
- Limit physical activity and direct exposure to the sun.
- Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Use your ashtray, not the road, when disposing of lit smoking materials while driving.
- Do not leave infants, children, people who cannot get out of a car unassisted and pets in a parked car, even with the windows rolled down.
- Check with your health care provider about how the warm weather may affect your prescriptions.
- Contact your health care provider if you experience prolonged heat-related symptoms, or if those symptoms significantly affect the ability to care for yourself.
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are common in hot weather. However, heatwaves can strain the heart, worsen lung ailments like asthma or emphysema, and also impact chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Air conditioning is the single most important factor in reducing heat related risks, If you are heat sensitive, visit air-conditioned buildings if your home is not air conditioned. Just a few hours out of the heat can make a big difference.
Check on your elderly or disabled neighbors, friends and relatives during the heatwave. Many people experiencing heat-related symptoms may be unaware that they are having a problem. It's critical to check on elderly and disabled people living alone or who are socially isolated.
And what are heat-related symptoms? Muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting, extremely high body temperature, rapid, and strong pulse or confusion. If these occur, call 911.
For more information about services for the elderly and disabled, call Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services at 503-640-3489.
Originally posted 7/27/2009, last updated 7/30/2009.
