Press Release: Weather Advisory

BROOKLINE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM
Brookline, Massachusetts



DANIEL C. O’LEARY
CHIEF OF POLICE
DIRECTOR OF
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: June 8, 2011 CONTACT: Brookline Health Department
Phone : 617-730-2300
Go to www.brooklinema.gov for more information


BROOKLINE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM ADVISES CAUTION DURING EXTREMELY HOT WEATHER

BROOKLINE, MA – With the extremely hot weather the region is presently experiencing, the Brookline Emergency Management Team (BEMT) is advising people to be cautious during this period of extreme heat, and is offering some tips to help keep cool and safe.

“With Thursday’s temperatures expected to rise to the high 90’s in Brookline, a few common sense measures can reduce heat-related problems, especially for the elderly, the very young and people with respiratory ailments, who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures,” said Dr. Alan Balsam, Brookline’s Director of Public Health. “The forecast calls for temperatures to fall back to the 70’s on Friday.”

Here are some tips to follow during hot, humid weather:
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. Do not try to do too much on a hot day.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Attempt to stay hydrated.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate perspiration, which cools your body.
• Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.
• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors.

In normal weather, the body’s internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain normal temperature, which may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you believe you, or anyone you are with, is experiencing a heat-related medical emergency, promptly call 9-1-1, and if possible, move to a cooler place.