Bedford Offers Tips To Beat The Heat

BEDFORD, MA — A second heat wave is hitting the state and Bedford officials are offering some tips for residents to stay safe and cool.

Heat related illness can strike at any time when temperatures are high enough. Officials stressed drinking plenty of fluids, staying in cool spots and monitoring people who are considered at "high risk." Infants, people over 65 and people who are overweight are all considered high risk.

Additional Tips to Stay Cool:

1. Use fans to promote air circulation throughout your home. Open doors and use fans to push hot air outdoors. At night, open all doors and windows (with screens) to promote as much air circulation as possible.
2. When the sun rises, close all doors, windows, and shades to help keep the cool in for as long as possible.
3. Take advantage of the cooling power of water. Fill buckets or basins and soak your feet. Wet towels or bandannas for a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders or head. Take cool showers or baths, and consider using a spray bottle filled with cool water for refreshing spritzes throughout the day.
4. Head downstairs. Hot air rises, so the upper stories of a home tend to be warmer than ground floors.
5. Eliminate extra sources of heat. Light bulbs and extra appliances can generate unnecessary heat. Cover windows to avoid the heat from the sun from entering the home. Eat fresh foods that do not require the use of the stove or oven.
6. Homemade “air conditioning”. Sit in the path of a fan that is aimed at an open cooler or container filled with ice.
7. Remember that pets also suffer during high temperatures. Give animals a cool water bath to help keep their body temperature down or wet a towel with cool water and place it on a tile floor for them to lay on or lay the towel on top of them. Always provide access to drinking water for pets. Only let pets outside for short periods of time during the heat.

Other helpful tips and guidance can be found on Bedford's website.