PLYMOUTH — Chief Neil Foley and Emergency Management Director Christian Horvath announce that cooling stations are now open in town ahead of tomorrow’s heat advisory.
A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20.
Extreme heat is a prolonged period of very hot weather, which may include high humidity. In Massachusetts, a “heat wave” is usually defined as a period of three or more consecutive days above 90 degrees. Temperatures are currently forecast to be in the 90s Tuesday-Sunday. Humidity levels above 50% are also expected multiple days this week.
Due to the heat advisory and temperatures expected to be in the 90s for the remainder of the week, the Town of Plymouth is opening cooling stations at numerous locations across town for community members to take advantage of from now until Friday.
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 8:30 a.m. to 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 April Thompson at 508-830-4230 extension 106 for more information.
The Community Room at the Cedarville Fire Station, 2209 State Road, is also an open cooling station that community members can visit between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Chief Foley and Director Horvath 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. to 9 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed Sunday - Manomet Branch Library
12 Strand Ave.
508-830-4185
Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 1- 9 p.m., closed Tuesday, Friday and Sunday
Library hours may vary.
Community members visiting cooling stations are asked to make other arrangements for their pets, if possible.
Chief Foley and Director Horvath will continue to monitor the heat wave as the week progresses to determine if cooling stations need to remain open throughout the weekend.
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.
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