As freezing temperatures continue, Portland Police officers will be actively looking for and checking on vulnerable people and facilitating transportation to warming shelters as needed.
Warming centers are open in Portland and Gresham with capacity during day and night. Call 211 in Multnomah County at any hour for the latest information about open shelters. Calls are answered in over 150 languages. You can also visit 211's website at http://www.211info.org for updated information and sign up for emails or texts about updated warming center locations. Severe weather centers will accommodate individuals and couples, pets and belongings, and do not require identification or any other documentation. Families with children seeking shelter should also call 211 and will be directed to a shelter that can accommodate children.
During extreme cold weather there is increased risk of exposure-related injuries for unsheltered people who do not have sufficient gear, such as coats, hats, gloves, footwear, tarps, sleeping bags and blankets. For information about what and where to donate, please contact 211info by dialing 211 or by visiting their website.
If you see someone outside, unsheltered whose life appears to be in danger or is in an apparent medical crisis, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, if you see someone about whom you are concerned, such as not being dressed for the weather conditions, call police non-emergency 503-823-3333 and request a welfare check for that person. To assist someone in locating shelter and transportation to shelter, please call 211.
For additional information on the dangers of cold including: hypothermia, carbon monoxide hazards and important information on the use of alternative sources of heat, please visit - https://multco.us/multnomah-county/news/dangers-cold
Though snow is not in the forecast currently, this is a good reminder that as the cold weather continues, drivers need to be properly prepared for the weather with a full tank of gas, traction devices or snow tires and extra food and water. Also be aware of black ice and slippery roads once the moisture returns.
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