MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — With temperatures expected to be in the 90s in the coming days, Police Chief Todd Fitzgerald would like to provide residents with hot weather safety tips and announce that cooling centers will be open around town.
Temperatures are currently forecast to be in the lower-mid 90s in Massachusetts beginning Wednesday and lasting through Friday. High temperatures, along with high humidity levels, are expected to result in high heat indexes, which is the “feel like” temperature, over the next few days.
On Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. a heat advisory is in effect with heat index values expected to reach up to 100 degrees. Then, from Thursday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. until Friday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m., an excessive heat watch is in effect with dangerously hot conditions and heat index values between 105 and 109 degrees possible.
Due to the heat wave, the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea will be opening three cooling centers:
- Police station conference room, 10 Central St.., which is open 24 hours.
- Town Hall room 5, second floor of 36 Lincoln St. Residents are asked to check in at the police station before going to this location. It is open 24 hours.
- Manchester Library, 15 Union St., which is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, and open until 7 p.m. on Thursday.
To prevent illness and injuries, officials recommend 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.
- Drink plenty of fluids, like water, 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
