Recap: Lloyd EcoDistrict’s Emergency Cooling Room During July 2024 Heatwave
Record-Breaking Heatwave in Portland
The recent heatwave in Portland, Oregon, was one for the record books. Spanning from the Fourth of July weekend through Tuesday, July 9th, the city experienced five straight days of record-high temperatures. Portland hit 104 degrees on July 9th, the hottest day since August 2023. With highs reaching 92 degrees on July 4th and steadily climbing to 100 degrees and above from July 7th to July 9th, the heatwave was relentless. Sadly, at least 17 Oregonians lost their lives to heat-related causes during this period, underscoring the critical need for extreme heat preparation and response efforts across the state, and locally.
Lloyd EcoDistrict’s Extreme Heat Response
Lloyd EcoDistrict stepped up to the challenge with our “Extreme Heat Response” program, launched in 2023 and designed to address the increasing frequency and danger of extreme heat events in Portland. This program aims to ensure our community is well-prepared and can safely respond to heat emergencies. More information and resources about our heat emergency preparedness can be found on our website here: ecolloyd.org/heat.
Cooling Room Center at Lloyd Center Mall
During this July 2024 heatwave, we operated a pop-up emergency cooling center at the Lloyd Center mall, converting the former Ulta Store into a cool and safe space for community members. Over two days, we welcomed 244 guests, providing much-needed relief from the intense heat.
Supplies and Support
We handed out 305 cold bottles of water, 500 electrolyte packets, 80 Otter pops, 164 cooling towels, and lots of snacks and food like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, apple sauce, and more.
Attendees had the option to stop by for a few minutes or stay for several hours during the hottest parts of the day. We provided board games, coloring activities, books, and charging stations for devices to help make their time more comfortable and enjoyable.
Community Support and Volunteer Efforts
We were able to operate this cooling room thanks to the generous support and contributions of our partners. The Lloyd Center donated the space, Multnomah County Emergency Management donated supplies, and PBEM helped cover some other costs. Additionally, we had six dedicated volunteers who contributed more than 20 hours to support the operations over the two days. Thank you!
Commitment to Community Safety
As our summers become hotter and more hazardous, Lloyd EcoDistrict remains committed to protecting our community through initiatives like the Extreme Heat Response program. We are grateful for the support from our partners and volunteers, and we will continue to enhance our preparedness for future heat events.
Stay safe and stay cool, Lloyd community!
For more information on how to prepare for extreme heat, visit our Heat Emergency Resource Page.
More pictures from the cooling room:
