Winthrop Fire Department to Open Cooling Center on Saturday at Senior Center
WINTHROP – As high temperatures continue throughout the region, Chief and Emergency Management Director Scott Wiley reports that a cooling center will be open in town on Saturday, July 23, at the senior center.
The cooling center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and is open to the public. The DeLeo Winthrop Senior Center is located at 35 Harvard St.
All are welcome to come to the air conditioned facility and can stay as long as the cooling center remains open.
Anyone with questions about the cooling center should call the Winthrop Fire Department at 617-846-3474.
Hot Weather Safety Tips
In addition, the Winthrop Fire Department is advising the public of the following tips for preventing heat-related illnesses:
- NEVER leave children, adults or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- KEEP COOL – Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings. Use air conditioners to cool the air.
- Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool or shady area, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.
- Plan outdoor games and activities for early morning or evening. Rest often in shady areas to allow your body to recover.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Keep pets hydrated.
- Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, 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 or who have 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.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.
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