Multnomah County keeps severe winter storm temp threshold after January 2024 storm response backlash

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Multnomah County is re-evaluating its severe weather shelter policy, nearly a year after a massive winter storm took lives and caused millions in damage.

Despite the county sheltering a record-breaking 1,300 people during the January ice storm's peak, the county faced criticism when staffing shortages led them to close shelters before the thaw, forcing vulnerable residents out onto the ice.

During discussions on Thursday, county officials defended the decision to keep its nearly decade-long threshold of only opening shelters if temperatures drop below 25 degrees. However, Multnomah County Emergency Management Director Chris Voss said flexibility is in place, the team plans to increase staffing, and they are now considering more risk factors.

"Now we take an even more broader approach, like if the ice is on the ground, and it's a half inch or an inch thick, it might just be something, it's harder to sort of close some of those shelters," he said. "That lesson was not lost on us."

This year, the county aims to offer 1,400 beds, 100 more than in 2024, should the need arise in the event of severe winter weather.

Officials say Cook Plaza and three leased sites are staffed with supplies, with security, transportation and food packages secured, and five trailers are on standby.

Outreach has also been mobilized and teams are on the ground offering warming supplies right now to those on the streets during this recent cold snap.

However, Multnomah County chose not to open severe weather shelters this month when neighboring counties did.

"Realize the differences between just the number of shelter beds that are available in different counties on a regular ongoing basis," Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said.

On an ongoing basis, Clackamas County offers roughly 210 shelter beds, Washington County offers 430, while Multnomah County provides more than 3,000.

When asked by KOIN 6 News why the county shut down government offices last January without opening shelters, Voss explained, "It's about roadway impacts, as opposed to 'Is it safe to be outside from a temperature and hypothermia' impact."