Heat advisory in effect: Take steps to stay safe and keep cool

On August 3, 2022, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Boston metro area Thursday and Friday, August 4 and 5. Residents are urged to take precautions to stay safe. 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.

If you need a place to cool off, Somerville Public Libraries and Summer Teen Spaces will be open and air-conditioned during their regular hours. The Council on Aging Holland Street Center (167 Holland St.) is open Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Programming begins at 10:00 a.m. both days, with Bingo on Thursday and Left Right Center on Friday, followed by lunch.

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.
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, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 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 7:00 p.m. daily.
Ginny Smithers Pool (5 Cherry St.): Lap swim times for various ages are available at somervillerec.com or by calling 311.

Keep Heat and Energy Costs Down

With high heat and humidity expected over the next several days, air conditioners and fans will be working overtime at most homes and businesses.
Visit eversource.com to try their Cooling Calculator to understand how much electricity your cooling system uses and learn about available energy-saving programs.
Somerville renters and property owners can find home energy saving tips at somervillema.gov/r2nz.