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Warming Centers
Overnight warming shelters are opened when the temperature is predicted to be 33 degrees or lower (including wind chill) or when other conditions (snow, wind, flooding) make sleeping outdoors especially dangerous. Daytime warming centers are also open throughout the county. Unless otherwise noted, all sites are ADA accessible, allow service animals only, and are open to the general public.
Stay Warm & Dry
Some tips for staying safe and warm when the weather turns cold!
- Wear mittens (not gloves), wind-proof, water-resistant, many-layered clothing, two pairs of socks (avoid cotton) and a scarf and hat that cover the ears.
- Drink warm liquids (avoid alcohol as it can lower body temperature).
- Change out of wet clothes as soon as possible to avoid frostbite and/or hypothermia (signs and symptoms).
Stay Informed
Weather can change fast! Be informed so you can prepare.
- Sign up for local alerts at publicalerts.org.
- Download apps like Flash Alerts and 211info.
- Follow local news and watch for communications from utility providers.
- Monitor changes at weather.gov.
Stay Prepared
- Be ready if the power goes out.
- Gather flashlights and extra batteries.
- Store extra food (canned foods, crackers, hard cheeses, bars and nuts) and a can opener.
- Test carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries, if needed.
- Make sure that insurance policies are up to date (home, auto, renters and health).
- Make a plan with your doctor if you have a power dependent medical device. If your medical needs require electricity, look into your power company’s medical certificate program.
- Make a plan with your doctor if you need dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation or other inpatient treatments.
- Make a plan with your friends, family or neighbors to check in with each other during bad weather.
Stay Safe Indoors
Snow and ice can make travel dangerous. If possible, stay home.
- If using a fireplace, make sure vents and flues are open and clear.
- Don’t plug space heaters into extension cords or place on anything that could catch fire.
- Don’t burn trash, as it may be toxic.
- To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, only use generators outdoors and at least 25 feet from open doors and vents. Never use charcoal/gas grills or portable gas camp stoves indoors and never use a gas range or oven for heating. See signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stay Safe Outdoors
If you have to go outside, consider these tips and tools:
- Cover skin and limit time exposed to cold.
- Wear shoes with good support and traction.
- Take small careful steps — “shuffle walk.”
- Use handrails when possible.
- Take breaks if shoveling snow.
- Take public transportation, if possible.
Stay Safe on the Roads
Be informed and pack a kit for your car
- Call 511 or visit TripCheck.com for the latest road conditions.
- Make sure your gas tank is full and your car kit has the following:
- Jumper cables
- Reflective triangle or flares
- Ice scraper, snow shovel and brush
- Cell phone charger and paper maps
- Cat litter or sand for help with traction
- Winter blanket, clothes and shoes
- Snacks and water
- Rope for towing
- First aid kit
- Traction devices like chains or tire socks
Winter Driving Tips
Plan your travel and route
Keep yourself and others safe by planning ahead before you venture out into bad
weather.
- Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic; plan to leave early if necessary.
- Don’t rush! Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely.
Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS system, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time. - Keep your gas tank close to full, even with an electric vehicle. If you get stuck in a traffic jam or in snow, you might need more fuel to get home or keep warm.
Note: To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when stuck in snow, be sure to keep your vehicle’s exhaust pipe clear of snow and ice, run your vehicle only in the open with the windows partially down, and run it only long enough to keep warm. - Wait until road and weather conditions improve before venturing out in your vehicle. If road conditions are hazardous, avoid driving if possible.
Stock your vehicle
Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving tasks, such as cleaning off your windshield, as well as any supplies you might need in an emergency.
- snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper
- sturdy boots with traction
- abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow
- jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares and markers
- blankets for protection from the cold
- cell phone with charger, water, food, toiletries, and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas)
Learn what to do in a winter emergency
If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, follow these safety rules.
- Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself.
- Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light turned on.
- To avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm.
Need Support?
- If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Don’t delay care because of snow or ice.
- Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 (TTY 711) or go to 211info.org for resources.
- Find free nutritious food.
- Find free winter clothing.
- If you need electricity due to a medical need, you may be able to enroll in PGE’s medical certificate program. Call the program at 503-612-3838, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or go to PGE's website for more information.
- Feeling overwhelmed? It’s okay to ask for help. Call 988 (TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)), text OREGON to 741741 or visit 988lifeline.org 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Health Conditions to Watch Out For in Cold Weather
| Signs and symptoms | What to do | |
| Carbon Monoxide Poisoning |
| Get the person into fresh air immediately if safe to do so. Call 911. |
| Hypothermia |
| Take the person’s temperature. If below 95 degrees, get medical attention immediately! Try to warm person up with blankets and warm compresses. Remove any wet clothing. |
| Frostbite |
| If you notice signs of frostbite, seek medical care and remove any wet clothing. If you are not able to get medical help right away, slowly rewarm the skin using warm (not hot) water or body heat (for example, placing frostbitten fingers under armpits). Do not rub frostbitten areas, as this can cause further damage. |
Power Outages
The combination of ice and wind may lead to power outages. Please check your power company for information related to power outages.
Never use a portable generator indoors. Read tips on using your generator safely during a power outage.
Frozen Pipes
Check your pipes for damage as they thaw
If you believe that a pipe is frozen, first check if the pipe has cracked or ruptured. If the pipe is not intact, don’t attempt to thaw it until you have a plan for how you are going to fix it. Find the main shutoff valve and turn it off to reduce damage to your home.
Here's what to do if the pipe is intact:
- Manually thaw the frozen pipe with an electric heating pad, blow dryer or portable space heater (never use a heat source with an open flame).
- Thaw the most vulnerable places first, like near faucets. By targeting these areas first, your pipes will be less likely to burst. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
Turn off water at the main
- Shut off water at the main house valve to trap water in your home and keep pollutants out of possible drinking water. Likely locations for the house valve are the basement, near the water heater, the garage or at the curb or the meter.
- For homes with a basement, the shut-off valve is likely wherever water enters the basement.
- For homes without a basement, the shut-off valve is likely close to the water heater or under the kitchen sink.
- If you cannot find your main house valve, call your local fire department for assistance
Storm Insurance Resources
Using your homeowners insurance
If your home was damaged due to the effects of winter weather, you may need to contact your insurance provider to submit a claim or ask questions about the process.
Before filing a claim, it is wise to do some research to determine if it makes financial sense to move forward with a claim. Depending on your deductible and the potential impact for future claims or the ability to receive coverage, it may not be the best choice to file a claim.
Understanding your homeowners insurance
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation provides free help for people who need to ask questions about the claims process or understand their options and protections as a consumer.
Garbage and Recycling
Snow and ice also may delay local garbage companies from picking up your trash and recycling on its normal day. You can check your company’s webpage for the latest information.
The Metro South Transfer Station/Household Hazardous Waste Facility and the county’s transfer station outside Sandy may be impacted due to winter weather this weekend. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm.
And finally, find more information on the Clackamas County Facebook page, follow us at @ClackamasCounty on Twitter and visit our website for updates during the upcoming winter storm.