City Cancels Outdoor Recreation Programs, Opens Cooling Center at Senior Centers on Holland, New Washington and Cross Street and  Extends Dilboy Pool Hours  to 8 p.m.

Due to today’s forecast of an unusually high heat and humidity index, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has issued the following advisory:

“Somerville residents are advised to avoid exposure to the extreme heat whenever possible, to drink plenty of water and restrict unnecessary outdoor activity. In the interests of public health and safety, the City is canceling all outside recreation programs scheduled for today; Little League programs and tonight’s Sunsetters performance on Ames Streets are canceled as well. The City is also extending the hours at Dilboy Pool until 8pm.

“On behalf of the Council on Aging, the Department of Health and other city agencies, I am requesting the public’s assistance in checking on the welfare of family members and neighbors – especially those who are seniors, young children, or have physical limitations, in order to ensure their continued safety. As always, if you experience a heat-related health or safety emergency, or you see anyone who needs assistance, please dial 911. Any resident – especially seniors – needing a cool place should visit the City’s air-conditioned cooling centers.”

The Council on Aging, located at 167 Holland Street will be open until 8 p.m. tonight. The Council will also operate cooling centers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ralph and Jenny Senior Center at 9 New Washington Street and the Cross Street Senior Center at 165 Broadway.

City officials join the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in recommending that residents take precautions to stay safe during the hot spell. MEMA’s safety tips include the following:

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors.
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. Do not try to do too much on a hot day.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.

Residents are advised to call 311, check the City’s cable channels (15 and 22 on Comcast, 13 and 16 on RCN) or the City website, www.somervillema.gov, for updated information. For more heat safety tips, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s Extreme Heat Guide at: www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp