Heat Advisory and Safety Tips for July 19 – July 21

Beginning on July 19 and lasting through the weekend, the greater Boston area could see temperatures well into the 90s, with heat index values over 100 degrees. We urge residents to review the following heat safety tips, and consider some ways to stay cool in Somerville as well as precautions to take to avoid overexposure to the heat.

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.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
• Limit outdoor activities and exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.
• 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, such as the Somerville libraries, theaters, and other air conditioned facilities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water and a cool place to rest.
• If someone is showing signs of heat stroke call 911 immediately. Signs of heat stroke 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. 

Public Buildings with Air Conditioning

Cooling Center at 165 Cross St.

• The Health & Human Services Department will open a cooling center at 165 Cross St. (corner of Broadway) from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Other public municipal buildings with air conditioning will be open during normal business hours as outlined below.

Somerville Public Libraries (closed on Sundays during the summer)

• Central Library (79 Highland Ave.): Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• East Branch (115 Broadway): Monday & Thursday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Tuesday 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Wednesday & Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Council on Aging

• Holland St. Center (167 Holland St.): Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. - noon
• Cross St. Center (165 Broadway): Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Family-friendly Activities

• Many parks and playgrounds around the city have water play features or sprinklers. A map of those parks can be found here.
• 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. There is a $2 admission fee for anyone without a pool pass.*
• Latta Brothers Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool (at Foss Park), 235 Broadway, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week.*
• Kennedy Pool (5 Cherry St.) Lap Swim: Friday 6 to 7:30 a.m., and 12:15 to 5 p.m.; Family Swim Friday 12:15 to 3:30 p.m.
• Veterans Memorial Rink, 570 Somerville Ave., will be open for community ice skating from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The skate rental fee will be waived on Sunday.

* 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.

Help Take Care of Our Thirsty Trees

The Department of Public Works is working on mulching public trees to help them retain water through the hot weather and moderate drought. We appreciate residents who can help out by watering any trees they see that have not been mulched and look dry. The best way to water trees is to water via a slow trickle over a longer period of time rather than a full stream of water for a short period. Should the drought continue and result in any calls for water conservation by the State, please do not water trees if it would violate water conservation recommendations.