PLYMOUTH — With temperatures expected to be in the 90s this week, Chief G. Edward Bradley, Emergency Management Director Henry Lipe and the Plymouth Fire Department announce that a cooling station is open in town.
Due to the heat advisory in effect from Wednesday, Aug. 11 to Friday, Aug. 13, the Town of Plymouth is using The Center for Active Living located at 44 Nook Road as a cooling station. This air-conditioned facility is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m – 4 p.m.
Center for Active Living employees may be able to assist residents with transportation to the facility. Residents in need of transportation should call Lindsay Reik at 508-830-4230 extension 116 for more information.
“Temperatures are predicted to soar over the next few days. If you or your loved ones need to escape the extreme heat, please visit the Center for Active Living cooling station,” said Chief Bradley. “We also encourage community members to take advantage of other places in Plymouth that are open to the public, including the libraries in order to stay cool.”
Chief Bradley and Director Lipe would like to remind residents of the following locations which are open to the public and offer air conditioning:
- Main Library
132 South St.
508-830-4250
Monday – Wednesday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., closed Sunday - Manomet Branch Library
12 Strand Ave
508-830-4185
Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 1- 9 p.m., closed Tuesday, Friday and Sunday
Library hours may vary.
Face coverings are required inside all town buildings in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.
In addition, the Plymouth 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 anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, 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.
Stay Informed
Receiving warnings, timely emergency alerts and information from public officials is critical to staying safe during any emergency. Along with the national Integrated Public Alert & Warning System, community members are also encouraged to sign up for email updates from the Plymouth Fire Department.
To do so, visit the Plymouth Fire Department’s website here. On the homepage, click the banner at the top or the tile that says ‘Sign Up For Email Alerts’ and enter your email address to subscribe to the website and receive email notifications of new posts.
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