With multiple 90-plus degree days already occurring in 2021, Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett and the Brookline Department of Public Health would like to remind residents to take safety precautions on particularly hot days, especially when taking part in outdoor activities.
“After several 90-plus degree days in a row, and with more to come this week and later this summer, it is important for residents to continuously be mindful of the heat,” said Commissioner Jett. “We recommend that residents take the proper precautions to ensure safety, including staying hydrated, wearing loose-fitting clothing and reducing strenuous outdoor activities.”
The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures will reach into the 90s from Sunday through Tuesday in Brookline.
To prevent heat-related illness and injuries, the Brookline Department of Public Health recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:
- Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70-degree day.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
- If someone does not have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 03:00 p.m.
- Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
- Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water. Please visit here to learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.
Additional Tips for Parents
- limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses;
- avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.
To learn more about summer safety, please visit the National Safety Council’s summer safety website here.
