Summer Scorcher: Peabody Opens Cooling Centers Amid Extreme Heat

PEABODY, MA — Peabody residents in need will have several places to go and cool off for the next two days after Mayor Ted Bettencourt issued a "heat advisory" in the city on Thursday on Friday.

Bettencourt said the Torigian Senior Center will be open for all residents between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Peabody Institute Library will also welcome visitors during typical operating hours for some free air conditioning at all three of its locations as the temperatures threaten 100 degrees.

In these extreme conditions, residents are advised to find air conditioning, avoid strenuous activity, wear light clothing, check on family members and neighbors, drink plenty of water, watch for heat cramps, and signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and never leave people or pets in a locked car.

Other heat precautions include:

• Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-15 or higher and wear protective, loose fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats.
• The elderly, young children and those with chronic medical conditions, especially respiratory conditions, are more susceptible to the effects of heat.
• Check in on the elderly and family or neighbors who may be at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke as temperatures climb.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the sun's UV radiation is strongest.
• If you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint, stop all activity and immediately find shade or a cool area to rest. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately.
• Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)