BURLINGTON — With a heat advisory in place through Wednesday, Chief Michael Patterson and the Burlington Fire Department wish to share resources and tips so that residents can stay safe, healthy and cool over the coming days.
Due to the heat, the Town of Burlington is using the Human Services Building located at 61 Center St. as a cooling center. It will remain open to the public from Monday, June 28 to Thursday, July 1 from 10 a.m – 8:30 p.m.
“Temperatures are expected to soar over the next few days and we urge residents to be mindful of the heat and take the proper precautions to stay safe and healthy,” said Chief Patterson. “We also encourage residents to take advantage of places in the town that are open to the public, like the public library, in order to beat the heat.”
Chief Patterson would like to remind residents of the following locations which are open to the public and offer air conditioning:
- The Burlington Public Library is open from Monday, June 28 through Thursday, July 1 from 10 a.m to 9 p.m and can be used as a place to seek relief from the heat.
- Residents also have the option of visiting the Burlington Mall during the hours of 11 a.m to 8 p.m,
- Wegmans Grocery Store, located at 53 Third Avenue, is also open from 6 to 12 a.m.
In addition, the Burlington Fire Department 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.
- KEEP COOL – Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings. Use air conditioners to cool the air.
- Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool or shady area, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.
- Plan outdoor games and activities for early morning or evening. Rest often in shady areas to allow your body to recover.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Keep pets hydrated.
- 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 or who have 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.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.
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