Heat Emergency Declaration, cooling shelter to open this week

Forecasted temperatures of 100 degrees and higher this week will trigger the City of Grants Pass Severe Weather Event Declaration.

This week, MINT (Mobile Integrative Navigation Team) plans to provide cooling services beginning Thursday, July 4, 2024, at MINT's Parker Place location, 218 Redwood Highway, Grants Pass, OR.

The cooling center will be open from 2 pm to 8 pm on the following days:

• Thursday, July 4
• Friday, July 5
• Saturday, July 6
• Sunday, July 7

Severe Weather Event Declaration

The City does not operate severe event shelters but assists groups that can operate such shelters. In December 2023, the City of Grants Pass issued a standing Severe Weather Event Declaration that shall be automatically triggered when certain weather conditions are forecast. The specific conditions for heat are listed below.

Hot Weather

i. Forecasted high temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

li. Forecasted temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or more, and additional factors and considerations that would reasonably cause a person to be at increased risk of exposure to heat, including precipitation; humidity; wind; duration, and potential for cumulative effects (hours per day, consecutive days); overall weather patterns.

Grants Pass Fire Rescue Urges Caution With Upcoming Heat

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Risk Alert, indicating that temperatures are expected to reach extreme levels in areas including Grants Pass and the Rogue Valley. Dry humidity and typical afternoon breezes are expected throughout the weekend, increasing the potential for fire growth.

As we approach the 4th of July, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution when using fireworks. Legal fireworks are only permitted within city limits on the 4th of July from 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM outside the Wildfire Hazard Zones, city parks, and schools. Additionally, all fireworks are prohibited if the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning.

To keep everyone safe, always buy legal fireworks from licensed stores or stands, and follow these restrictions

• Stay away from people, pets, and buildings when lighting fireworks.
• If a firework doesn't go off, don't try to relight it. Instead, soak it in water and throw it away.
• Always keep a bucket of water or a charged hose nearby in case of a fire.

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