July 30, 2021

Extreme Heat Resources and Volunteer Opportunities

Image credit: Multnomah County

Heat safety info in 8 languages
Heat And Your Health, Heat First Aid in 9 languages
Red Cross Heat Safety Checklist in 9 Languages

PBEM is going to set up to open daytime cooling centers and misting stations, but they need volunteers!

Extreme Heat Volunteers Needed

As temperatures rise, we all can help our neighbors in need! The Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) is welcoming Portlanders to volunteer at indoor cooling centers and outdoor misting stations Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Shifts are approximately four hours, between 10:00am and 10:00pm. Links to online sign-ups are at the end of this post.

No experience or special skill is necessary, except being a kind person who enjoys the satisfaction of helping others!
Training will be provided at the beginning of your shift.
Specific roles depend on the type of cooling site that is being operated. Positions may include the following roles, according to your abilities:
reception
monitoring a food and beverage station
supplies and inventory management
bathroom attendant
monitoring the sitting/sleeping area
safety monitoring
participating in site set-up and tear-down
You will volunteer under the supervision of a well-trained, experienced Multnomah County shelter manager.
All Volunteers are required to wear masks at all times to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Make it a family or scout troop service project!
No smoking of any kind, alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons are allowed.

Pick an indoor or outdoor location and use the link to sign up:

Indoor, air conditioned cooling centers

The Portland Building, 1120 SW 5^th Ave (Downtown): [sign up at The Portland Building]
The Matt Dishman Community Center, 77 NE Knott St (Eliot): [sign up at The Matt Dishman Community Center]
The Charles Jordan Community Center, 9009 N Foss Ave (Portsmouth): [sign up at The Charles Jordan Commnity Center]

Outdoor misting stations in public parks

Glenhaven Park, NE 82nd Ave & NE Siskiyou St (Roseway/Madison South): [sign up at Glenhaven Park]
Mt Scott Park, SE 72nd Avenue & Harold St (Mt Scott): [sign up at Mt Scott]
Knott Park, 11456 NE Knott St (Parkrose Heights): [sign up at Knott Park]

Please consider your own health and safety before signing up. Drink plenty of water throughout your shift, and do not overdo it. If you feel stressed or ill, tell the Person in Charge (PIC) immediately. Information about managing in extreme heat is at https://www.publicalerts.org/extreme-heat

Thank you for joining this community effort to serve each other, and to demonstrate once again that Portlanders unite in time of need.

This programming message brought to you by APANO Communites United Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.