Brookline Issues Heat Advisory, Sets Up Outdoor Cooling Center

BROOKLINE, MA — With temperatures continuing in the 90’s this week, the Town's Emergency Management Team issued a heat advisory and are opening a cooling center for a bit of relief Tuesday and Wednesday.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory in effect Monday and Tuesday for much of the state, noting forecasters expected heat index values up to 100 both days. Wednesday the temperatures are set to reach a high around 90 and then dip just below 90 on Thursday. Heading into the weekend National Weather Service forecast highs in the mid to upper 80s.

The Emergency Management Team is set to open an outdoor cooling center at the Florida Ruffin Ridley School (formerly known as the Edward Devotion School and the Coolidge Corner School), near the corner of Harvard and Stedman streets. The cooling center will have canopy tents with misting equipment, designed to allow people to cool off outside.

The tents will be staffed by medical reserve corps volunteers and be open and available Tuesday and Wednesday. The last time the Town opened the outdoor cooling center this summer, about 90 people showed up to take advantage of it throughout a three day weekend.

Because of distancing requirements because the pandemic, the usual indoor cooling centers are not available this year: The Brookline Senior Center, Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center, Public Safety Building, and the Public Libraries of Brookline are all closed.

"It’s extremely important for residents to minimize activities outside during afternoon hours and stay inside if possible. If you must go out, please use extreme caution," Dr. Swannie Jett, Director of Health and Human Services said in a release.

Outdoor Cooling Center What To Know:

Where: Florida Ruffin Ridley School in Coolidge Corner
When: Tuesday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 29
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

COVID-19 precaution: Town officials say you must wear face coverings at all times while using the cooling tent and stay at least 6 feet from the next person distancing at all times. Health officials said they will also check temperatures at the site.

Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illnesses, from the Brookline Emergency Management Team:

• Never leave children, adults or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity.
• Avoid too much sun.
• Plan outdoor games and activities for early morning or evening.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and use air conditioners to cool the air.
• 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.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide brimmed hat.
• 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.
• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, 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, especially with 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.