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Multnomah County, city of Portland declare state of emergency for extreme heat this week

With temperatures expected to reach triple digits, the county and city have declared an emergency, announcing locations and hours for cooling shelters.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — Multnomah County and the city of Portland will open three cooling centers Monday afternoon, as temperatures are expected to climb to 106 degrees. They were open on Sunday when Portland International Airport saw its first 100-degree day of the year.

The cooling centers will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, in addition to the Lloyd Center Mall, which will run on regular mall hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here are the cooling centers: 

Multnomah County East will be staffed by Multnomah County employees, Cook Plaza will be staffed by Cultivate Initiatives, and Old Town Cooling Center will be staffed by Do Good Multnomah.

“We actually have a lot of locations that we’re sort of setting up," Chris Voss, Multnomah County's Director of Emergency Management said. "Some as cooling centers but also as places that people normally go.

RELATED: Here are cooling spots around the Portland metro area to beat the heat

TriMet will also be offering fareless rides to cooling centers for those who cannot afford the fare on public transit between 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the extreme heat emergency. Riders should plan ahead and communicate to drivers that they will be headed to a cooling center.

Misting stations and splash pads are also available for the public to stay cool. 

RELATED: Heat wave in Portland could tie record for triple-digit temperature days

The county is also urging people to cool off in rivers, lakes and streams while swimming safely. Toxic algae has been found on the Willamette River in Portland waterways at Sauvie Island.

RELATED: Heat wave heightens water safety in Portland: 'No lives lost'

The county may open additional cooling centers. Anyone needing transportation to a shelter should call 2-1-1. Updated information on cooling shelters will be posted here

Multnomah County and the city of Portland declared an emergency for the days with the largest heat risks

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