HOPKINTON — With a heat wave approaching this weekend, Chief Joseph Bennett and the Hopkinton Police Department would like to remind residents to take safety precautions during activities during particularly hot days, especially those that take place outdoors.
“With a heat wave on the horizon this weekend into early next week, we would like to remind residents of a few hot weather safety tips,” Chief Bennett said. “We would also like to remind residents that anyone who may be experiencing a heat-related illness is urged to seek out emergency medical services immediately.”
The first heat wave of the season is expected to occur towards the end of this weekend into early next week. Temperatures are expected to increase a few degrees every day with Saturday being in the mid to upper 80s and Sunday reaching the upper 80s to low 90s. A few pop-up storms are also expected to occur over the weekend.
To prevent illness and injuries, the Hopkinton Police Department recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:
Heat Safety Tips:
- Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water.
- 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.
- If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
- 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, which is typically around 3 p.m.
- Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
- Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
- Click here to learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.
Additional Tips for Parents:
- Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
- Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.
To learn more about summer safety, visit the National Safety Council’s summer safety website here.
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