Photo: Beech Street Center. (Town of Belmont)
With the heat index anticipated to top 100 degrees this weekend, the town of Belmont is opening the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., as a community cooling station.
The center will be open Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In addition, the Belmont Public Library at 336 Concord Ave. will be open Friday, July 19 until 5 p.m.; Saturday, July 20 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The National Weather Service is forecasting excessive heat starting today, Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 2. Hot temperatures combined with high humidity are expected to create dangerous heat conditions, with the most oppressive conditions expected on Saturday.
High temperatures Friday through Sunday are forecast to be in the 90s to lower 100s, and dew points in the low to
Below are tips for preventing Heat Related illnesses:
- Drink Plenty of Fluids
During hot
- Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen
Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Use a sunscreen product rated at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 and apply it to all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun.
- Stay Cool Indoors
Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a shopping mall, public library or community center – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
- Monitor Those at High Risk
Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.
- Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
- People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
- People who are overweight or obese may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
Remember, to prevent
- Avoid
direct sun from late morning until 5 p.m. - Limit vigorous exercise or chores to early morning or late afternoon
- Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
- Continually drink plenty of water or juice
- Avoid caffeine or alcohol
- Eat light meals
- NEVER, leave children, adults alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- For More Information
: For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/features/extremeheat/index.html orhttps://www.mass.gov/service-details/extreme-heat-safety-tips