How To Beat Somerville Heatwave

SOMERVILLE, MA — A heat advisory remains in effect through Wednesday evening in the Boston metro area, as temperatures of 98-99 degrees are forecasted. The National Weather Service says that could feel as high as 100-103 degrees and that heat-related illness is possible.

The Health and Human Services Department has opened a cooling center for all ages at 167 Holland Street. It will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents are urged to review the following heat safety tips and strategies for staying cool:

Stay Safe, and Help Your Neighbors

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle – even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.
• Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.
• Drink plenty of water — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water and a cool place to rest.
• Limit outdoor activities and exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.
• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor and out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces (wear a mask indoors if you are not vaccinated).
• If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours.
• Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
• If someone is showing signs of heatstroke, call 911 immediately. Signs of heatstroke include a body temperature over 103 degrees; hot, red, dry, or moist skin; a rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness. While waiting for help to arrive, move the person into a cool area, help cool them down with wet towels or a cool bath, and DO NOT give them fluids.
• For more safety tips, visit cdc.gov/extremeheat and visit www.somervillema.gov/keepcool for more strategies to stay cool in the heat.

Pools and Splash Pads

• Many parks and playgrounds around the city have water play features or sprinklers. A map of those parks can be found at www.somervillema.gov/publicspace.
• Dilboy Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool, 110 Alewife Brook Parkway, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free for ages 0-3, $1 for ages 4-11, and $2 for ages 12 and up. Season passes are also available.
• Latta Brothers Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool (at Foss Park), 235 Broadway, 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. every day of the week. Spraydeck is open 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
• Kennedy Pool (5 Cherry St.): Lap swim times for various ages are available at https://www.somervillerec.com/info/facilities/details.aspx?FacilityID=13622 or call 311.

Please note that both outdoor pools in Somerville have capacity limits, and residents are advised to seek out alternatives rather than wait in the sun if the pools are full.