Heat Advisory and Safety Tips for Thursday and Friday, July 27 and 28

The National Weather Service is warning the Boston area of dangerously hot conditions on Thursday and Friday, July 27 and 28, that could feel like more than 100 degrees outdoors. They note that “seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk.” 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne has designated all three Somerville Public Libraries as cooling locations, waived Dilboy Pool fees during the advisory, and made available additional resources. Please 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, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and limit your outdoor activity. More tips can be found below and at somervillema.gov/keepcool (in five languages). 
 

Cooling Locations 

• Somerville Central Library 79 Highland Ave. 
  • Thursday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. 
  • Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
  • Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
• Somerville East Branch Library 115 Broadway 
  • Thursday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. 
  • Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
  • Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
  • Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (new, Sunday hours) 
• Somerville West Branch Library 40 College Ave. 
  • Thursday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
  • Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
  • Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
• Council on Aging 167 Holland St. open for cooling for seniors  
  • Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 
  • Friday 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  
  • To coordinate transportation for seniors unable to access the site otherwise, please call 617-624-6600 x2319. 
• Somerville Teen Center 50 Cross St. (use library entrance on Glen St.) open for teens/youths 
  • Thursday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
• SHC Daytime Engagement Center 1 Davis Square open for cooling and services for persons experiencing homelessness   
  • The City has partnered with the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) to provide a daytime engagement center available to all unhoused persons in any weather conditions. It is cooled in summer, heated in winter.  
  • Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  
  • Donations are also being sought by SHC for heat-related supplies for persons living outdoors: Snacks, water, and hygiene products are just a few of the critical items needed. For a full list, visit bit.ly/shcneeds. All donations can be dropped off at the Engagement Center between Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 1 – 2 p.m. for lunch).  

Stay Safe and Help Your Neighbors 

For more safety tips and cooling strategies, visit somervillema.gov/keepcool, where this material is available in five languages or cdc.gov/extremeheat. 

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle – even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees higher 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. 
• Limit outdoor activities and exposure to the sun.  
• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. 
• Make sure pets have plenty of water and a cool place to rest. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time. 
• 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. Homes without air-conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air-conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air-conditioning. 
• 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. 

Call 911 Right Away If Someone Shows Signs of Heatstroke 

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.
 

Keep Cool at Pools and Splash Pads 

• Map of Somerville Parks with Water Play Features:  

Many parks and playgrounds around the city have water play features or sprinklers. A map of those parks can be found at bit.ly/somparkswater. 

• 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 fees will be waived on Thursday and Friday. Admission is normally $1 for children and $2 for adults (18+).  

• 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. Spray deck is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Admission is free.