Arlington Extreme Heat Safety Tips

ARLINGTON, MA – The following is an announcement from the town of Arlington.

In addition to cooling off at North Union Spray Park, you can also chill at a local coffee shop or with a book at the Fox or Robbins library. Whatever you do Town Officials recommend residents be careful during extended periods of extreme heat and offer the following safety tips:

• 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.

• 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.

• Drink plenty of water — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.

• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.

• If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities.

• If there are power outages during warm weather, you may need to take additional precautions, or go to a cooling center or emergency shelter to stay cool.

• Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.

• 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.You may find additional information about extreme heat on the State’s website, mass.gov.

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