EMT: Heat Advisory Alert

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM OPENS COOLING CENTERS
Hot Weather Tips are offered

BROOKLINE, MA – With temperatures expected to be in the 90’s on both Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22, 2011, the Brookline Emergency Management Team is opening the following cooling centers.



Brookline Public Safety Building Community Room 350 Washington Street
24 hrs a day, 7 days a week

Brookline Senior Center 93 Winchester Street
Monday - Friday, 8:30am – 5pm

The Public Libraries of Brookline

Main: 361 Washington St
Monday through Thursday, 10am-9pm
Friday, 10 am-5 pm

Coolidge Corner Branch:31 Pleasant St
Monday and Wednesday: 10am-6pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 10am-9pm
Friday and Saturday: 9:30am to 5 pm.

Putterham Branch:959 West Roxbury Parkway
Monday and Wednesday: 1-9 pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 10am-6pm
Friday 10 am- 5 pm


For residents of 61 Park Street, 90 Longwood Avenue, 50 Pleasant Street, 190 Harvard Street, the Brookline Housing Authority will have their air conditioned community rooms available for residents.

The Brookline Pool, 60 Tappan Street, also is open. During “open swim” hours, Brookline residents can use the pool free of charge during a heat alert. Please call 617-713-5435 for specific hours.

In addition, the Brookline Department of Public Health is advising the public of the following:

Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illnesses:

• NEVER leave children or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity.
• Avoid too much sun.
• Plan outdoor games and activities for early morning or evening.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and use air conditioners to cool the air. 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.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide brimmed hat.
• 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.
• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.
• Check regularly on:
o Infants and young children
o People aged 65 or older
o People who have a mental illness
o Those who are physically ill, especially with 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.
• KEEP COOL – Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings