Cooling centers to open in Clark County during heat waveFree

Council for the Homeless issued a severe weather alert for today through Saturday for the emergency shelter system in Clark County.

The announcement increases shelter capacity and alerts local organizations to provide additional resources. Clark County residents were expected to see consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 90 degrees beginning Thursday. People experiencing homelessness have a much higher risk than the general population of developing heat-related illnesses.

C-Tran will not turn away any passenger who is riding to a cooling center. Passengers should tell the operator as they board that they’re heading to a cooling center and fares will not be enforced, according to C-Tran.

Residents can direct people who need shelter and housing assistance to call Council For the Homeless’ Housing Hotline at 360-695-9677.

For a list of cooling centers, visit https://tinyurl.com/mwh85a4h.

A cold-water misting station is available from noon to 6 p.m. today and Saturday at the Outpost Safe Stay, 11400 N.E. 51st Circle, Vancouver. Pets with their owners are welcomed on a good-behavior basis, and dogs should be on a leash.