Senior Center Open for Heat Wave

Submitted by the Shrewsbury Council On Aging:

As temperatures continue to soar this week, the Shrewsbury Health Department and the American Red Cross are urging people to take special precautions in dealing with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

The town announced that a cooling center will open Wednesday July 20 through Friday, July 22 to provide a refuge from the extreme heat. The town’s cooling center will be located at the Senior Center, 100 Maple Avenue and will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees, but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses,” said Derek Brindisi, director of Shrewsbury Public Health. “Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended.” 

Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately. 

“As we find ourselves in the midst of or first heat wave of the season, the American Red Cross and town of Shrewsbury are teaming up to offer these very simple safety tips to local residents,” said Nicole Valentine, director of emergency services-public affairs for the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. “Our primary goal is to mitigate emergencies by educating the community about how they can protect themselves and their families from heat-related illness.”

Take care this summer to beat the heat:

1. Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. 

2. Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar. These actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps. 

3. Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. 

4. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

5. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. 

6. Be sure to think of your pets too. Never leave an animal in the car on hot days and be sure they have plenty of fresh water when outside. Avoid leaving your pet outside on hot, humid days. Bring your pet in when you can. 

For more information on preventing heat emergencies, call the American Red Cross at 508-595-3700.