EMERGENCY WARMING CENTERS WILL BE OPEN THIS WEEKENDPORTLAND, Ore.

For the third year, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross will open emergency warming centers for Portland's homeless community when severe weather strikes.EMERGENCY WARMING CENTERS OPEN THIS WEEKEND:
.
Sunday, Dec. 6
9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Portland Foursquare Church
1303 SE AnkenyThe Red Cross anticipates being activated about 15 times this winter and serving up to 300 people each night.What Makes Warming Centers Different:Red Cross emergency warming centers differ from other homeless shelters in several ways:
Singles, couples and families are all welcome.

Guests can come and go as they please throughout the night.

Pets are welcome as long as there is a kennel available. While the centers will provide mats and blankets for guests, as well as hot drinks they differ from traditional Red Cross shelters in that beds, food, clothing and financial support will not be available.

Activation Requirements:The City of Portland will alert the Oregon Trail Chapter when they have confirmed that weather conditions meet the requirements of emergency warming center activation.

Notification should occur by 2 p.m. on the day in question.Under DRY conditions:
A single night at 22 degrees Fahrenheit or below
Three consecutive nights at 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below
32 degrees Fahrenheit or below and sustained wind of 15 mphUnder WET conditions:
32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, with 1 inch forecast accumulation of precipitation
32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, with sustained winds of 15 mph
1 inch of snow on the ground over most of PortlandWarming Center Locations:When activated, emergency warming centers MAY be located at:
Lents Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 8835 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland Foursquare Church, 1303 SE AnkenyExpected hours of operation will be 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.More Information:To find out if the Red Cross emergency warming centers are operating:

Call 211Info (2-1-1 from a land line or 503-222-5555)
Call the Red Cross Info Line at 503-528-5990

Visit www.oregonredcross.orgTo volunteer, visit www.oregonredcross.org/EWCvolunteer. Orientations are currently scheduled for:Tuesday, Dec. 84-6 p.m.Oregon Trail Chapter3131 N. Vancouver Ave.