Local counties opening up cooling centers to help beat heat

By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 in Northeastern Oregon News

EASTERN OREGON — As a summer heatwave blankets the state, some local counties are taking measures to ensure residents stay cool and safe during the extreme temperatures.

The National Weather Service has forecast temperatures to reach more than 100 degrees for most of Eastern Oregon through at least July 10. In some areas, the triple-digit temps could stay through next weekend. Heat warnings, watches, and advisories are in effect for most of the region.

In Union County, Emergency Manager Nick Vora says, “We have a variety of locations and partners that are happily open for people to take refuge from the heat, and as such, are operating in a coordinating role vs operational capacity. CHD and Emergency Services have reached-out to local facilities, and Cooke Memorial Library, the La Grande Senior Center, and the Right Track Resource Center (Warming Station) are all welcoming people during their normal hours of operation this week. Center for Human Development is serving as our primary coordinating organization to facilitate and communicate available resources with the public.”

In Baker County, the Health Department reminded residents that local libraries are options for people who need a cool indoor respite. They also recommended residents who lack air conditioning take a cool shower or bath rather than relying solely on fans. Another option is to put a wet towel in the refrigerator, then drape it over your neck.

The Health Department provided the following hours for public library branches around the county:

Baker City, 2400 Resort St.

July 9-11: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
July 12: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
July 13: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
July 14: noon-4 p.m.

Haines, 818 Cole St.

July 9: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 11: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.
July 12 and 13: 1-4 p.m.

Halfway, 260 Gover Lane

July 9: 1-4 p.m.
July 11: 1-6 p.m.
July 12: 1-5 p.m.
July 13: 1-4 p.m.

Huntington, 55 E. Jefferson St.

July 9: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 10: 4-7 p.m.
July 12: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.
July 13: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Richland, 42008 Moody Road

July 9: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 12: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
July 13: 9 a.m. to noon

Sumpter, 245 S. Mill St.

July 10: 3-6 p.m.
July 11-13: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 9 might also be open if volunteer staff are available.

In Malheur County, cooling centers are now open until further notice. Visitors are reminded to respect these places, as they are offered by local organizations for those without reliable cooling.

ONTARIO

Oasis House (St. Matthews Church), 802 SW 5th St.
- Monday – Thursday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch daily)
- Dinner on Tuesdays, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Malheur Council on Aging & Community Services, 842 SE 1st Ave.
- Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Dinner for 60+ years old on Tuesdays & Thursdays
Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living (EOCIL), 1021 SW 5th Ave.
- Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- (+ Mondays after July 15)
- Tuesday, Thursday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Morning showers and microwavable food available

VALE

Malheur Enterprise, 293 Washington St. W. (Back entrance)
- Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.