Heat Alert Issued by Brookline Health Department

Loving the heat this summer? Well, it's continuing today but may reach dangerous levels.

The Brookline Health Department issued a heat alert for today and tomorrow, and the Emergency Management Teams are opening cooling centers around town to help residents . These centers include the , , and ,  and  of the library. Hours listed in the press release below.

According to an automated call from Health Center Director Alan Balsam, the will also open some air-conditioned community rooms around town. 

With the National Weather Service predicting heat index could hit as high as 102ºF, they issued a Heat Advsiory for Brookline and the surrounding areas. To reduce the risk of heat illness, the NWS recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun. 

Following the , the Brookline Police Blog offered some tips on treatment options for several heat-related issues or conditions, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. See their page for more information.

Below is the press release from the Health Department:

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM OPENS COOLING CENTERS

Hot Weather Tips are offered

With temperatures expected to be in the 90’s on both Tuesday, July 17, 2012 and Wednesday, July 18, 2012, the Brookline Emergency Management Team is opening the following cooling centers for this time period.

Location, Address, Time:

Brookline Public Safety Building, 350 Washington Street, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week

Brookline Senior Center, 93 Winchester Street, Monday - Friday, 8:30am – 5pm

The Public Libraries of Brookline are air-conditioned. Public libraries are open as

follows:

Main Library – 361 Washington Street: Monday through Thursday, 10am-9pm, Friday, 10 am-5 pm

Coolidge Corner Branch – 31 Pleasant Street: Monday and Wednesday: 10am-6pm, Tuesday and Thursday: 10am-9pm, Friday and Saturday: 9:30am to 5 pm.

Putterham Branch – 959 West Roxbury Parkway: Monday and Wednesday: 1-9 pm, Tuesday and Thursday: 10am-6pm, Friday 10 am- 5 pm.

For residents of 61 Park Street, 90 Longwood Avenue, 50 Pleasant Street, 190 Harvard Street, the Brookline Housing Authority will have their air conditioned community rooms available for residents.

The Brookline Pool, 60 Tappan Street, also is open. During "open swim" hours, Brookline residents can use the pool free of charge during a heat alert. Please call 617-713-5435 for specific hours.

 In addition, the Brookline Health Department is advising the public of the following:

• Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illnesses:
• NEVER leave children or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity.
• Avoid too much sun.
• Plan outdoor games and activities for early morning or evening.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and use air conditioners to cool the air. 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.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide brimmed hat.
• 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.
• 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, especially with 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.
• KEEP COOL—Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings