Several Days of Dangerous Heat and Humidity Expected; Here’s How to Stay Safe in Somerville

Public swimming facilities are at maximum availability through the hot summer season, bringing relief to locals looking to stay cool. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

Several days of oppressive heat and humidity are forecasted for the Boston area through at least Friday, August 13, and residents are urged to take precautions to stay safe. The National Weather Service is warning of dangerously hot conditions that could feel like 109 degrees outdoors. Review the following heat safety tips and ways to keep cool in Somerville. Most importantly, do not leave children or pets in a vehicle even if the windows are open, drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and limit your outdoor activity.

Cooling Center Opened

The Health & Human Services Department has opened a cooling center for all ages at 167 Holland Street. It will be open Wednesday and Thursday, August 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, August 13, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To coordinate transportation for seniors or anyone unable to access the site otherwise, please call 311. Face coverings are required while inside.

Stay Safe and Help Your Neighbors

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle – even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within 10 minutes.

• Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.

• Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.

• Make sure pets have plenty of water and a cool place to rest.

• Limit outdoor activities and exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.

• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.

• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor and out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces (wear a mask indoors).

• If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours.

• Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.

• If someone is showing signs of heatstroke, call 911 immediately. Signs of heatstroke include a body temperature over 103 degrees; hot, red, dry, or moist skin; a rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness. While waiting for help to arrive, move the person into a cool area, help cool them down with wet towels or a cool bath, and DO NOT give them fluids.

• For more safety tips and cooling strategies, visit cdc.gov/extremeheat and somervillema.gov/keepcool.

Pools and Splash Pads

• Many parks and playgrounds around the city have water play features or sprinklers. A map of those parks can be found at somervillema.gov/publicspace.

• Dilboy Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool, 110 Alewife Brook Parkway, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free for ages 0 to 3, $1 for ages 4 to 11, and $2 for ages 12 and up. Season passes are also available.

• Latta Brothers Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool (at Foss Park), 235 Broadway, 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. every day of the week. Spraydeck is open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

• Kennedy Pool (5 Cherry St.): Lap swim times for various ages are available at somervillerec.com or by calling 311.

Please note that both outdoor pools in Somerville have capacity limits and residents are advised to seek out alternatives rather than wait in the sun if the pools are full.