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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Heat Emergency


 The Board of Selectman is declaring today- July 17, 2012- a Heat Emergency. The weather is expected to be up in the high 95 degree range with 65% humidity. Brookline Emergency Management Team is opening the following cooling centers (open to the public):

Brookline Public Safety Building  
350 Washington St.    
24 hrs a day, 7 days a week

Brookline Senior Center 
93 Winchester St. 
Monday-Friday : 8:30am – 5pm

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OF BROOKLINE

Main : 361 Washington St    
Monday - Thursday : 10am-9pm 
Friday : 10 am-5 pm
  
Coolidge Corner : 31 Pleasant St   
Monday & Wednesday: 10am-6pm 
Tuesday & Thursday: 10am-9pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:30am to 5 pm 
Sunday: 1pm-5pm.
  
Putterham : 959 West Roxbury Parkway   
Monday & Wednesday: 1-9 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 10am-6pm
Friday : 10 am- 5 pm

The Brookline Pool (free of charge)   
60 Tappan St  
“Open Swim” hours
Call 617-713-5435 for specific hours

Additional Information for Residents of… 
61 Park Street
90 Longwood Avenue
50 Pleasant Street
190 Harvard Street 
 
...Brookline Housing Authority will have their air conditioned community rooms available for residents.

Hot Weather Health Emergencies

Heat stroke:
A medical emergency- the body's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.
·        Recognizing Heat Stroke
High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Individual will likely not sweat.

Heat cramps:
Painful spasms, mostly in legs and abdomen, usually the result of heavy exertion and heavy sweating.
·        Recognizing Heat Cramps
Painful spasms usually in the legs and abdominal muscles that may occur in association with strenuous activity. What to do- Apply firm pressure to cramping    muscles or gently massage to relieve spasms. Replace fluids. Consult your health care provider.

Heat exhaustion:
Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.
·        Recognizing Heat Exhaustion
Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin. Weak pulse. Fainting and vomiting possible. What to do- Lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool wet cloths. Fan or move person to air-conditioned place. Take sips of water. Consult your health care provider



Brookline Department of Public Health
 Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illnesses
         
•    NEVER leave children, adults 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
o    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


For more information...
Lynne Karsten, Brookline Health Department
Phone : 617-730-2300


Public Safety Dispatch Center
Brookline Police Deptartment

Phone : 6170730-2222

Or visit  www.brooklinema.gov for more information




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