West Newbury Police and Fire Departments Urge Community to Be Prepared for Upcoming Heat Wave

WEST NEWBURY — The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments are encouraging community members to be prepared for a four-day heat wave that is expected to see heat index values reach as high as 112 degrees. 

The National Weather Service in Boston issued an Extreme Heat Warning that is in effect from Wednesday at 10 a.m. to Saturday at 8 p.m. The agency’s forecast says high heat and humidity will result in heat index values of 98 to 112 degrees, which could cause a dangerous increase in heat-related illnesses. 

The Town of West Newbury will open cooling centers if needed, and updates on their hours and locations will be provided. 

To prevent illness and injuries, the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments recommend the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:

• Drink plenty of fluids, like water, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages or drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar — these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. 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.
• If you’re outside, find shade and minimize direct exposure to the sun.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
• Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of a car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.
• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
• Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.

The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments are also providing the following tips for ensuring the wellbeing of pets and livestock during this weather event:

For pets:

• Limit outdoor time. Do not leave your pets unattended outdoors for more than 15 minutes, and make sure that when they are outside, they have access to shaded areas and water.
• Do not leave your pets in your car. It takes as little as 10 minutes for a car to heat up to unbearable temperatures, even with the windows cracked.
• Walk your pets early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Give pets plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Ensure the water stays cool and avoid using stainless steel bowls, which can become hot. When you walk your pet or take your pet outside, carry water with you.
• If your pet is panting excessively, drooling, struggling to walk, is lethargic, or has bloody diarrhea or vomiting, know that these are potentially signs of overheating. If you think your pet is in distress due to the heat, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
• Be careful with dogs on asphalt in the heat. Not only are their paws sensitive, but because their bodies are closer to the asphalt, they can overheat more easily.

For horses and other livestock:

• Know the signs of fatigue and overheating. In horses, these signs include a high respiratory rate, dry mucous membranes in the mouth, and a prolonged capillary refill time. Learn more about how to check these symptoms here.
• Keep your animals hydrated, and be sure to check that they have a steady supply of water that they can access. For horses, provide salt and electrolytes as needed, and consult with a veterinarian if you have not used electrolytes with your horses before.
• Limit the exertion of animals during peak heat. If riding a horse, be sure to go slow and provide breaks, preferably in the shade, as frequently as possible.
• Ensure barns or indoor holding areas have proper air circulation.

“Public safety personnel in West Newbury will be ready to assist our community and to keep everyone safe during this heat wave, but we also encourage community members to take these easy steps to protect themselves before there are any problems,” said Chief Michael Dwyer. “Heat-related illness can be extremely serious, and our stations will be available to anyone in need of additional assistance.”

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