Heat Advisory and Safety Tips for Wednesday and Thursday, September 6 and September 7

The National Weather Service is warning the Boston area of dangerously hot conditions starting today, Wednesday September 6, until 8 p.m. Thursday, September 7.  With the heat index forecasted to go above 99 degrees, the Somerville community is encouraged to review the following heat safety tips and ways to keep cool.

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).  

All Somerville Libraries are open to the public, air-conditioned, and a good place to come and cool off. For library locations and hours, please visit somervillepubliclibrary.org or email SPL@somervillema.gov 
 

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.