For Immediate Release

Friday, July 19, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Easton to Open Cooling Center at Council on Aging During Heat Wave

EASTON – Chief Kevin Partridge would like to notify Easton residents that the town will be opening a cooling center today and tomorrow as temperatures are expected reach into the 90s over the next few days.

The cooling center will be held at the Frothingham Hall Community Center, 15 Barrows St. The cooling center will be open on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 12-8 p.m.

If deemed necessary by town officials, an announcement will be made about opening a cooling center on Sunday, as well.

The cooling center will serve as a facility for residents to go to for temporary relief from the heat. Please note that the site is not intended to be utilized as a shelter, as there will be no sleeping accommodations provided.

“Temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s throughout the weekend, so we want to ensure that everyone stays cool and hydrated,” Chief Partridge said. “Try to avoid being outdoors for too long during the day if you can help it and if anyone is in need of relief from the heat, please feel free to come to the town’s cooling center.”

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the Easton region starting at noon today and going until 8 p.m. Sunday.

To prevent illness and injuries, the Easton Fire Department recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:

Heat Safety Tips:

• Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water.
• 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.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
• Learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.

Tips for Parents: 

• 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.

To learn more about summer safety, visit the American Red Cross or National Safety Council websites.

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