Typically, this recovery center is a hub for community members struggling with substance use disorders and housing insecurity in Salem, a city of about 170,000 people. But on Tuesday, the center doubled as a cooling center, one of 20 open to the public in Marion County, as part of a broader effort in the Pacific Northwest to protect residents from intense heat waves and sometimes deadly.
One year after the worst heat wave on record in the Pacific Northwest hundreds of deadthe region is better prepared, even as it continues to grapple with the challenges that come with periods of extreme weather.
This week’s heat event already broke daily records in Oregon and Washington state on Tuesday: In Salem, the temperature reached a zenith of 103 degrees, tying a previous record set in 1939. Another record of 102 was set in Portland. Seattle soared to a record 94.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown (D) declared a state of emergency Tuesday in 25 counties that lasted until Sunday, and ordered the state emergency management department to coordinate a response. Nearly the entire region, including parts of Northern California, Nevada and Idaho, were under heat advisories or excessive heat warnings from the National Weather Service. Some areas of eastern Washington and inland Oregon could see temperatures eclipse 110 degrees this week.
The heat is not forecast to subside until the weekend. Portland and Seattle, both under excessive warnings through Thursday, are forecast to endure historically long spells of temperatures above 95 and 90 degrees, respectively.
In Salem, this is the second year in a row that Recovery has offered its space as a cooling center. The first time was during last year’s heat wave in which at least 54 people died in Portland alone, authorities say, the victims being disproportionately older and living alone. Advocates say low-income renters, who may not be able to install or afford air-cooling devices, are particularly at risk for heat-related illnesses during heat waves.
That provoked disaster a reassessment of the historically temperate region as climate change fuels intensifying heat waves. Since then, local governments and nonprofits have stepped up emergency heat relief efforts, taking advantage of grants and building partnerships to do so.
“Last year was definitely a wake-up call for Oregon,” said Candace Avalos, executive director of Verde, an environmental justice nonprofit in Portland.
In Multnomah County in Oregon, which includes Portland, there were four cooling centers overnight Tuesday, along with a day center, misting stations and “splash pads” throughout the city. Public transport buses offered free rides to interesting places.
Similar efforts are underway in Washington state. A large number of cooling centers have opened in King County, which includes Seattle. The city remains the nation’s least air-conditioned major metropolitan area: Only 44 percent of homes include some form of air conditioning, according to data from the US Census Bureau. But that number doesn’t reflect the rise in air conditioning purchases after last year’s scorching weather. In September, the Washington State Department of Commerce began accepting applications for the first time for subsidized air conditioners through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
While memories of last year’s record heat dome linger, the general public’s response to today’s temperatures seems less frenetic. Temperatures are expected to peak in the 90s, and while those temperatures are not unheard of in Seattle, the projected length of the five-day heat wave is unusual. Heat will build up in residences by the end of the week, which can make it difficult to sleep and increase the risk of heat-related illness.
The city has released its standard heat wave response plan, which includes cooling centers at libraries, senior centers and community centers. Meanwhile, for those who work outdoors, the state announced emergency heat regulations that went into effect in mid-June. When the temperature reaches 89 degrees, employers must provide workers with at least a quart of fresh water per hour and at least one 10-minute paid refreshment break every two hours. While heat regulations for outdoor workers have been in place for more than a dozen years, the state Department of Labor and Industries has issued emergency regulations for the past three summers while permanent rule changes are negotiated.
King County also announced last month the development of its first extreme heat mitigation strategy, a direct response to last year’s heat wave that killed more than 30 county residents. The county government applied for a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, noting that the agency historically does not provide grants for extreme heat hazard mitigation.
“Last year we experienced the deadliest weather event in our history, and these events are expected to be longer lasting and more intense in the future,” said Jeff Duchin, health officer for Seattle and King County, in a statement. . “We must prepare for the inevitable heat events that will continue to challenge us, and also do what we can to minimize the risk of these becoming even more catastrophic in the future.”
State and local governments in the Pacific Northwest are also working on long-term efforts to adapt to extreme heat.
In March, Oregon lawmakers passed a bill that puts millions of dollars toward air conditioners and refrigeration systems for residents who can’t afford them, while also funding emergency heat shelters like those operating across the state. this week. The law also protects tenants who install some air cooling devices from landlord retaliation.
In Portland, officials aim to install 12,000 to 15,000 portable refrigeration units and heat pumps in low-income homes over the next five years. Verde, the Portland nonprofit, is helping coordinate a separate program that provides air conditioners to low-income residents. Avalos said there is “overwhelming” demand for the program.
Parrish, assistant manager of Recovery Outreach, said he has noticed more cohesiveness and organization in the region’s response to this heat wave.
As of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the temperature dipped below 95 degrees, the point at which Salem’s cooling center closes to the public. Parrish replaced a large pitcher of water emptied by thirsty visitors while support staff warned their customers about the constant heat. He expects the cooling center to run all week.
Scruggs reported from Seattle. Jason Samenow at DC contributed to this report.