MAYNARD — Town Administrator Greg Johnson, Police Chief Mark W. Dubois and Fire Chief Anthony Stowers would like to notify residents that the town will be opening cooling centers as temperatures are expected reach into the high 90s over the next few days.
The police station at 197 Main St. and meeting rooms at the Maynard Housing Authority locations on Powder Mill Circle and Concord Street Circle will be open 24/7 starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and through Sunday as cooling centers for those that need a place to escape the heat. Residents are asked to bring their own food and water.
“It is essential that residents have a space they can turn to over the coming days to get away from the heat and humidity, which is why we’ve decided to open these cooling centers,” Police Chief Dubois said. “Please come visit one of our centers if you find yourself in need of a place to cool down, or find yourself without air conditioning this weekend.”
The National Weather Service is predicting that temperatures will reach into the high 90s and possibly hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend in Maynard. Regionally, temperatures are forecast to be in the 90s to lower 100s, and Saturday is expected to be the hottest day.
An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for most of Massachusetts on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“We’re urging residents to prepare for this weekend and familiarize themselves with recommended heat safety tips,” Town Administrator Greg Johnson said. “Heat illnesses are a serious risk during a heat wave, and it’s important that everyone knows the signs of an oncoming heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration and so on.”
To prevent illness and injuries during the heat wave, Maynard town officials recommend the following safety tips from the American Red Cross, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency 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. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and beverages high in caffeine and sugar.
- 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. Those without air conditioning who stay at home are encouraged to stay on the lowest floor, out of the sun, avoid using the stove and oven, and use fans.
- 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.
- Learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.
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 American Red Cross or National Safety Council websites.
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