Police and Fire Departments Announce Preparations in Response to Extreme Heat

GEORGETOWN — As extreme heat and humidity hit New England, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees and heat index numbers rising above 100, municipal police and fire departments are opening up a number of resources to aide residents.

The communities below have established the following resources for their communities during this heat wave:

East Bridgewater — The East Bridgewater Emergency Management Agency would like to remind residents that we have plans in place to address the excessive heat situation affecting our area. Cooling centers may be provided if the situation warrants them.
Gloucester — Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken has declared a heat emergency. The Rose Baker Senior Center, 6 Manuel F Lewis St., will be open for use as a cooling center for the public to use starting Thursday.
Groton –The Public Library, 99 Main St., and the Council on Aging, 163 West Main St., will be open to the community today. Provisions have been made for expansion if necessary.
Littleton — The Littleton Police Department Community Room (500 Great Road), Council on Aging Building (33 Shattuck St.) and Reuben Hoar Public Library (41 Shattuck St.) will be open until 10:00 p.m., or later if needed.
Maynard — The Town Hall cooling center, 195 Main St., is open to all Maynard residents until 4 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. tomorrow. Water will be provided to residents who visit the cooling center. Additionally, the Maynard Public Library, 77 Nason St., will be available as a cooling center from 2-9 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow.
Natick — The Natick-Community Senior Center (117 E Central St.) and the Morse Institute Central Library (14 E Central St.) will both be open as cooling centers all day today.
Newbury — Though no cooling centers have been designated, Newbury Fire Chief Nate Walker encourages residents to check on their elderly neighbors and keep a close watch on children during the heat wave.
Newburyport — The Newburyport Senior Center (331 High St.) is open as a cooling center all day. Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire emphasizes that community members should avoid strenuous outdoor activity and check on elderly neighbors.
Whitman — The Whitman Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is ready to staff a cooling center, should the town open one. Members are also standing by to staff the Fire Ground Rehab vehicle for any fires, to ensure firefighter safety and hydration. The Whitman Police and Fire departments are monitoring any spikes in EMS responses related to the heat and any other demands on service.
Bedford, N.H. — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Hillsborough County from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Town of Bedford’s Library, located at 3 Meetinghouse Road, will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. as a cooling shelter for citizens who need to seek relief from the heat.

During a heat wave, the area police and fire departments suggest that their communities follow safety precautions outlined by the American Red Cross:

Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Eat small meals and eat more often.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Postpone outdoor games and activities and take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. Don’t forget to monitor your pets to ensure they are not suffering from the heat.

Any resident concerned about an elderly person or someone who may be suffering from heat-related conditions should contact their local police or fire department.

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