The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services has declared a Heat Emergency effective Thursday, July 27 through Saturday, July 29, 2023, and announces that cooling centers will open around town.
Temperatures are currently forecast to be in the 90s beginning Wednesday and lasting into Saturday. Oppressive heat is expected both Thursday and Friday with high temperatures of 90-95 degrees, heat indices of 95-104 degrees, and overnight lows of 70-77 degrees. High temperatures, along with high humidity levels, result in high heat indexes, which can be dangerous.
From Thursday, July 27 through Saturday, July 29, a heat emergency is in effect with heat index values between 95-105 degrees possible.
Brookline’s cooling centers include:
Brookline Public Safety Building Community Room
350 Washington Street
Brookline MA 02445
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Brookline Senior Center
93 Winchester Street
- Monday – Friday 08:30 a.m. – 05:00 p.m.
The Public Libraries of Brookline
Main Branch
361 Washington Street
Brookline, MA 02445
- Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 09:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m.
- Sunday closed
Coolidge Corner Branch
31 Pleasant Street
Brookline, MA 02446
- 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.
- Sunday 01:00 p.m. – 05:00 p.m.
Putterham Branch
959 West Roxbury Parkway
Brookline, MA 02467
- Monday and Wednesday 10:00a.m. – 09:00 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 06:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday 09:30 a.m. – 05:00 p.m.
- Sunday closed
The Brookline Housing Authority will have air-conditioned community rooms available for residents of 61 Park Street, 90 Longwood Avenie, 50 Pleasant Street and 190 Harvard Street.
Water play areas in parks and playgrounds throughout Brookline are available from dawn to dusk, Memorial Day to early October.
The Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center, located at 60 Tappan Street, is also open. Brookline residents may use the pool free of charge for open swimming only during designated hours while a heat emergency is in effect. Residents can call 617-713-5435 for hours and additional details.
The Town of Brookline recommends that all residents who can turn on their air conditioners on days that are over 90 degrees. If you are concerned that you cannot afford to run your air conditioner, Eversource offers discounts to qualifying customers, and information on those discounts can be found by visitting here.
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 and 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 anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, 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.
