Extreme Heat

How to prepare for Extreme Heat

Extreme Heat Preparedness 
Be ready for extreme weather with these helpful tools from Mass. Department of Public Health (DPH).

• Extreme Heat Resource Guide
• Unhealthy Heat Forecast
• Sign-up for Emergency Alerts from the Town of Needham
  • AlertNeedham
  • Town Newsflash
  • Public Health Division: Facebook Page, Website (up to date information on cooling areas/shelters)
  • Prepare your home;
    • Install air conditioners
    • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun
    • Have water in the home 
      If loss of power, locate cooling areas/shelters

What to do During Extreme Heat (from www.mass.gov) 

• 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. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.
• If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Avoid using your stove and oven.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities.
• Check with your local authorities or Call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.
• On hot days, more people cool off around bodies of water. Playing in and around water can increase the risk of drowning. Learn how to keep yourself and your children safe in and around water with these Water Safety Tips.
• If there are power outages during warm weather, you may need to take additional precautions or go to a cooling center or emergency shelter to stay cool.
• Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
• 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.

Look out for Heat-related Illnesses

• Heat Cramps: Muscular pains, spasms
• Heat exhaustion: Dizziness, headache, weakness 
• Heat Stroke: Most serious and is life-threatening, loss of consciousness, weak pulse, shallow breathing.  Call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance

Additional resources/important phone numbers

• Public Health Division: 781-455-7940
• Extreme Heat Safety Tips (MEMA)
• National Weather Service