Heat Safety Tips and Information

Temperatures are expected to be high through the weekend and we urge all residents to review these hot weather information and safety tips:

Residents are invited to visit the following buildings to stay cool any time this summer:

• Central Branch Library, 79 Highland Ave., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. All library branches are closed on Sundays during the summer.
• East Branch Library, 115 Broadway, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
• West Branch Library, 40 College Ave., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 2 to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
• Cross Street Senior Center, 165 Broadway, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
• Holland Street Senior Center, 167 Holland St., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Ralph and Jenny Senior Center, 9 New Washington St., 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

Visit our pools, our ice rink (with indoor turf), and the water features at our playgrounds to stay cool:

• Many parks and playgrounds around the city have water play features or sprinklers. A map of those parks can be found at somervillema.gov/waterpark.
• 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 $1 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.
• Founders Memorial Rink, 570 Somerville Ave., will be open for free play time on the turf from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Veterans Memorial Rink, 570 Somerville Ave., will be open for community ice skating from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The skate rental fee will be waived this weekend.

Please note that both 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.

Please take a moment to review these tips on how to stay safe during hot weather:

• Do not leave children or pets in the car, even if you will be gone just a few minutes.
• Stay in air conditioned spaces as much as possible. If you need to go outside, try to avoid the middle of the day when temperatures are highest.
• Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
• Drink more water than usual and remind others to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and beverages with high sugar content.
• Check on elderly, disabled, or ill neighbors who may need assistance.
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water and a cool place to rest.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, which can include heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; a fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting, and fainting. If a person is suffering from heat exhaustion get them to a cool place, give them plenty of water, and apply cool, wet clothes to as much of the body as possible. If the person continues to vomit, seek medical attention.
• If someone is showing signs of heat stroke call 911 immediately. Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature over 103 degrees; hot, read, 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.

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.