Boston, July 5, 2013, —With temperatures expected above 90 degrees through the weekend, community centers, pools, and parks all open to keep people cool. BCYF cooling centers open at 1 p.m. today; extended weekend hours
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With temperatures expected above 90 degrees through the weekend, Mayor Thomas M. Menino has issued a heat advisory reminding residents to stay safe and healthy in the heat. Mayor Menino and the Boston Public Health Commission are urging residents to stay hydrated and in shaded or air conditioned areas whenever possible. Residents can cool off at several Boston Parks Department water spray features throughout the city and in air conditioned community centers. |
“With several days in a row of this extreme heat, we want everyone, particularly children and the elderly, to take the necessary precautions,” Mayor Menino said. “It’s important to stay cool and hydrated, and to keep an eye on our vulnerable neighbors.”
Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses and injuries, but everyone should remember to limit their activities during very hot weather, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol. When outdoors, limit strenuous activity, wear sunscreen and loose, light-colored clothing, and rest often in cool, shady areas. Additional measures to beat the heat include avoiding cooking, taking cool showers or baths, and staying in air conditioned areas whenever possible.
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The City of Boston Elderly Commission today issued a robocall to 30,000 Boston seniors advising them of the heat, precautions they should be taking, and providing the number to the Mayor’s 24-hour hotline for assistance: 617-635-4500. The Boston Housing Authority on Wednesday activated cooling centers at all its elderly & disabled properties, and throughout the weekend will be checking on elders and door knocking to provide heat safety resources to residents. |
All Boston Centers for Youth & Families sites are open today and will move into Cooling Center mode at 1pm and all sites with exception of outdoor pools closing at 9pm.Saturday and Sunday will reflect increased hours until 8pm. The entire BCYF weekend schedule can be viewed here: http://www.cityofboston.gov/
Boston Parks Department operates several water spray features throughout the city from mid-June to mid-September from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted. View the Water Spray List in a larger map.
Heat related illness such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be fatal if untreated and need to be taken seriously, particularly for elderly and younger populations. Residents should follow heat safety precautions and pay attention to the warning signs such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches. If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately. Family, friends and neighbors are also urged to check in frequently with elderly residents who may need assistance during the hot weather.
The Office of Emergency Management is monitoring the weather and will be providing weather forecast updates to city departments and coordinating our city responses throughout the weekend.
For questions about heat-related city services, residents should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500. Comprehensive heat safety tips and resources are available on the city website at www.cityofboston.gov/heat. Follow @NotifyBoston and #becoolboston on Twitter for heat related updates.