With temperatures forecast in the triple digits early next week, Council for the Homeless has issued a severe hot weather alert for the emergency shelter system Sunday to Thursday.
City and county personnel should refer people seeking cooling spaces to the housing hotline at 360-695-9677. Additional cooling spaces may open during severe weather. Additional resources and increased shelter capacity are being activated.
General safety tips
Noah Alviz, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Portland, advised people to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities and wear light-colored, loose clothing.
Those who do not have access to air conditioning should find an indoor location such as a cafe or library to sit in.
“Another thing is to definitely check on others,” said Alviz. “Especially those vulnerable to the heat, such as elderly or young children. No one should be alone during the heat wave.”
Where can you go to cool off?
Public cooling spaces with shade and restroom access. No referrals needed and open dawn to dusk:
- Bagley Community Park: 4607 Plomondon St., Vancouver.
- Burnt Bridge Creek Trail: restrooms at trailheads.
- David Douglas Park: 1016 N. Garrison Road, Vancouver.
- Esther Short Park: West Eighth and Columbia streets, Vancouver.
- Fisher Basin Community Park: Southeast 192nd Avenue and Mill Plain Boulevard.
- Leroy Haagen Memorial Park: Northeast Ninth Street, Vancouver.
- Leverich Park: 4400 N.E. Leverich Park Way, Vancouver.
- Marine Park boat launch: 4501 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver.
- Marshall Park: 1069 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.
- Memory/Mill Plain Park: Ballfields by the old Vancouver Public Library on Mill Plain; also free Wi-Fi signal there.
- Nikkei Park: 5009 N.E. 135th Ave., Vancouver.
- Vancouver Waterfront Park/Portland Loos (open 24/7): 695 Waterfront Way, Vancouver.
- Wintler Park: 6400 Beach Drive, Vancouver.
Indoor community centers:
- Firstenburg Community Center: 700 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver. Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sundays/holidays.
- Marshall Community Center: 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sundays/holidays.
Indoor cooling spaces, no referral needed:
