This article was originally published on KDRV.com on June 25, 2021
MEDFORD, Ore. — With southern Oregon seeing the potential for record-breaking high temperatures this weekend, multiple cities have opened up cooling shelters to provide some relief for those without adequate shelter from the oppressive heat.
Medford
The City of Medford announced Thursday that a cooling shelter will be set up at the Medford Senior Center at 510 E Main Street starting Saturday and running at least through Monday. It will be open from noon to 8 p.m. each day.
“The cooling shelter will provide water, cool resting area, restrooms, popsicles, snacks, and cooling area and water for pets. Individuals may come and go, with a facility capacity of 45 guests,” Medford officials said.
Talent
Another shelter is being set up at the Talent Community Center, also scheduled from Saturday through Monday. It will be open from noon to 6 p.m. with City staff and volunteers on-site. Bottled water will be available and the City says it will be observing COVID-19 protocols.
The Talent Community Center is located behind City Hall at 110 East Main Street. Those with additional questions or comments can contact talent@cityoftalent.org or by calling (541) 535-1566.
Ashland
The City of Ashland will have a cooling shelter open from Sunday through Thursday from noon to 8:30 p.m. each day.[Editor’s Note: the cooling shelter in Ashland is located at 5th and East Main Street and is ONLY open until July 4, 2021) Animals will be allowed but must be kept on leashes.
“The shelter will be staffed by community volunteers who have requested that guests be mindful of other’s health needs, therefore masks will be required,” Ashland officials said. “Community volunteers also ask guests to be respectful to neighbors by not loitering on or near property. Donations of water and cold foods are needed and will be accepted at the shelter location during hours of operation.”
Ashland Police will also have water bottles available for people in need, keeping an eye out for people who may be vulnerable to heat exhaustion. Water will also be available outside of each Ashland Fire & Rescue station.
The Ashland Parks and Recreation Department offered information about how to find respite in the parks during extreme heat.
Siskiyou County
There are multiple locations in Siskiyou County that will be operating as cooling shelters during normal business hours, including the Community Resource Centers in Montague, Mt. Shasta, Dunsmuir, Weed, and Fort Jones. Library locations in Fort Jones, Dunsmuir, Etna, Montague, Tulelake, Dorris, and Yreka will also be open as cooling shelters.
