ASHLAND:
UPDATE on July 9 at 9:55 p.m.: The cooling shelter has been extended and will be OPEN July 9 through July 14, Noon to 7 p.m. each day. We still need volunteers to help run the shelter. A volunteer orientation is tonight at 6:30 p.m. – More info below.
UPDATE on July 8 at 8:45 a.m.: The cooling shelter has been extended and will be OPEN July 8 through July 10, from Noon to 8 p.m. each day.
ORIGINAL: The National Weather Service has issued an EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH for the Ashland/Medford area from Thursday morning, July 4, through Sunday evening, July 7. Expect dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures between 100 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit and lows in the mid-60s.
Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
Heat-related illnesses rise significantly during extreme heat events. To stay safe:
Drink plenty of fluids.
Stay in an air-conditioned room if possible.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Check on relatives and neighbors.
Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings at forecast.weather.gov.
Severe Weather Shelter Open
The City of Ashland is activating a Cooling Center at the Severe Weather Shelter from Thursday, July 4, to Sunday, July 7, from Noon to 7 p.m. each day at 2200 Ashland St. The Cooling Center may remain open on July 8 and 9, depending on the heat wave and volunteer availability to staff the shelter. Please refer to the City website for updates, ashlandoregon.gov. If you want to be notified about Shelter/Center activations, please read below under Notifications.
In addition to the Severe Weather, the Ashland Library, located at 410 Siskiyou Blvd, will be open during the following hours:
Mon-Thu: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.*
Fri: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat-Sun: Noon to 5 p.m.
Cool off in a City Park
Ashland offers 19 parks and over 600 acres of open space with shady spots and water activities:
Swim Reservoir in Lithia Park: Fed by Ashland Creek.
Wading Area in Lithia Park: Near the children’s playground.
Splash Pad at Garfield Park: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Daniel Meyer Memorial Pool in Hunter Park: Check hours at ashlandoregon.gov/Swim.*
Emergency Preparedness
Stay prepared for emergencies by knowing your evacuation zone, signing up for alerts and packing a Go Bag! For more information, visit ashlandoregon.gov /BetterPrepared.
Additional Resources
Ready.gov: ready.gov/heat
National Weather Service:forecast.weather.gov
Volunteer Information
The Severe Weather Shelter relies on volunteers to remain operational. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to volunteer coordinator, Avram Sacks, at avramsacks@gmail.com or 541.220.7307. You can also attend a volunteer orientation on Tuesday, July 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 2200 Ashland St.
Notifications
To receive notifications about when the Severe Weather Shelter is activated, text 97520SHELTER to 888777.
For more information and updates, please visit ashlandoregon.gov. Remember, “We are Better Together!”
https://or-ashland.civicplus.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=54
MEDFORD:
Due to high temperatures forecasted, Medford City Manager Brian Sjothun has extended the severe weather event declaration through Wednesday, July 10.
The City of Medford is partnering with ACCESS to open and operate a cooling shelter. The cooling shelter will be open on Wednesday, July 10 from 12 – 8 PM and will be operated by ACCESS at 324 West 6th Street.
The cooling shelter will provide water, restrooms, snacks, and cooling area and water for pets. Individuals may come and go.
The City has set up text notifications for citizens who would like to be notified when warming or cooling shelters are opened. Text MED4SHELTERS to 888777 to receive the latest on severe weather event shelters in Medford.
ACCESS is always looking for volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering or have resources to contribute please may email volunteer@accesshelps.org for more information.
https://www.medfordoregon.gov/News-Articles/Cooling-Shelter-Extended-in-Medford-Through-July-10