For Immediate Release

Monday, July 2, 2018

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

Easton Fire Chief Announces Cooling Center will be Opened in Town

EASTON — Chief Kevin Partridge would like to announce that a cooling center will be opened in Easton this afternoon to serve residents during the current heat wave.

The cooling center will be at Frothingham Memorial Hall, 15 Barrows St., from 4-8 p.m. today. It will remain open until Friday, July 6, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If additional days are needed an announcement will be made.

Temperatures are expected to reach into the low 90s today and into Thursday in Easton, according to the National Weather Service. Humidity levels are also expected to be high throughout the week.

“Anyone who needs to cool down is welcome to come to the center,” said Chief Partridge, who is also the director of the town’s emergency management agency. “The high temperatures and humidity levels we have experienced over the weekend are expected to continue throughout the week. We ask anyone that may have elderly or disabled neighbors to please check up on them and make sure they are safe and cool.”

Town officials will also be reaching out to the residents of Easton’s Housing Authority to provide assistance if they need it.

The American Red Cross recommends the following in order to stay safe in the heat:

• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors that absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities and 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. Don’t forget to monitor your pets to ensure they are not suffering from the heat.
• If you do not have air conditioning, you should choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (libraries, theaters, malls, etc.).

Those exposed to high heat for a prolonged amount of time can fall victim to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke.

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