Salem Opens Cooling Center Amid Heat Wave

SALEM, MA —With temperatures expected to soar into the 90s for the second straight day, Salem opened a cooling center at the Mayor Jean Levesque Community Life Center on Bridge Street.

The cooling center was opened Monday morning and will remain open until 4 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for most of Eastern Massachusetts on Monday with heat index values expected between 95 and 99 degrees. The heat advisory extends until 8 p.m.

The National Weather Service advises: "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.

"To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

"Heatstroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1."