BROOKLINE, MA – With temperatures continuing in the 90’s this week, the Emergency Management Team has issued a heat advisory.
The Emergency Management Team will again open an outdoor cooling center at the Florida Ruffin Ridley School, located on the corner of Harvard and Stedman Streets. The cooling center will have canopy tents with misting equipment, designed to allow people to cool off outdoors while remaining socially distant.
Because of social distancing requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the indoor cooling centers used in the past are not available this year. The Brookline Senior Center, Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center, Public Safety Building, and the Public Libraries of Brookline are all currently closed to the public.
Dr. Swannie Jett, Director of Health and Human Services stated, “It’s extremely important for residents to minimize activities outside during afternoon hours and stay inside if possible. If you must go out, please use extreme caution.”
Outdoor Cooling Center
Florida Ruffin Ridley School, corner of Harvard & Stedman Streets
Tuesday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 29
Available from 10am to 6pm each day
NOTE: Face coverings must be worn at all times; social distancing is required at all times. Temperatures will be checked.
In addition, the Brookline Department of Public Health is advising the public of the following:
Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illnesses:
- NEVER leave children, adults or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Slow down, avoid strenuous activity.
- Avoid too much sun.
- Plan outdoor games and activities for early morning or evening.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Stay indoors as much as possible and use air conditioners to cool the air.
- When the temperature is in the 90’s, fans will not prevent heat related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a better way to cool off.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.
- Protect face and head by wearing a wide brimmed hat.
- Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
- Use your stove less and try to cook your meals in the cooler part of the day.
- Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.
- Check regularly on:
- Infants and young children
- People aged 65 or older
- People who have a mental illness
- Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
- Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.
- KEEP COOL – Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings
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