With temperatures expected to be in the 90’s through Wednesday, the Brookline Department of Public Health has declared a Heat Emergency beginning Sunday, June 27 and ending Thursday, July 1 and announces that cooling centers are open around town.
The available cooling centers include:
- Brookline Public Safety Building Community Room
- 350 Washington Street, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Brookline Senior Center
- 93 Winchester Street, open Monday – Friday, between the hours of 08:30 a.m. and 05:00 p.m.
- The Public Libraries of Brookline
- Main Branch, 361 Washington Street, open Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 09,:00 p.m., Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday
- Coolidge Corner Branch
- 31 Pleasant Street, Monday and Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 06:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 09:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m., closed Sunday Putterham Branch
- 959 West Roxbury Parkway, Monday and Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 09:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 06:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday
The Brookline Housing Authority will have air-conditioned community rooms available for residents of 61 Park Street, 90 Longwood Avenue, 50 Pleasant Street, 190 Harvard Street and Colonel Floyd (at 28 Foster Street).
The Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center, located at 60 Tappan Street, is also open. Brookline residents may use the pool free of charge for open swim only during designated hours while a heat alert is in effect. Residents can call 617-713-5435 for hours and additional details.
“The high temperatures that our area is expected to experience over the next few days can be very dangerous,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett. “We urge everyone to keep cool by limiting time outdoors, taking advantage of town cooling centers and staying hydrated. If residents do spend time outdoors, we encourage you to avoid strenuous activity and protect yourself from the sun.”
In addition, the Brookline Department of Public Health is advising the public of the following:
Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illnesses:
- NEVER leave children, adults or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- KEEP COOL – Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings. Use air conditioners to cool the air.
- Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool or shady area, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
- 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.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.
- Plan outdoor games and activities for early morning or evening. Rest often in shady areas to allow your body to recover.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Keep pets hydrated.
- 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 or who have 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.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them here.
