Important Tips For Staying Safe Amid Summer Heat

Boston Mayor Marty is urging residents to exercise caution with temperatures expected to climb into the upper 80s and low 90s this weekend.

With a heatwave expected to last through Tuesday, Walsh would like Bostonians to remain vigilant to help the city’s vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless, seniors, and youngest residents.

“We are concerned about this upcoming hot weather and are working to monitor the rising temperatures, to keep all of our residents safe,” said Mayor Walsh. “While we are doing what we can to spread this information, we ask that each and every single Boston resident look after their neighbor, be it someone you see outdoors, or someone next door. It never hurts to check-in.”

Here are some heat safety tips courtesy of the Mayor’s office:

• For protection against the harmful rays of the sun, adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-15 or higher and wear protective, loose fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats.
  
• Never underestimate the seriousness of heat-related emergencies. The elderly, young children and those with chronic medical conditions are more susceptible to the effects of heat. Always check in on family or neighbors who may be at risk heat exhaustion or heat stroke as temperatures climb.
  
• Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicle, for even short periods of times.
  
• 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.
  
• Try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body can cool itself. Be especially cautious when the sun’s UV radiation is strongest, from 11am to 3pm.
  
• Drink plenty of fluids, making sure to avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. During hot weather, increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.
  
• Homeless individuals can become dehydrated rapidly due to a lack of access to water or shelter from the heat. If you observe someone who appears in distress, please contact 911 immediately.
  
• The City of Boston will declare a Heat Emergency after temperatures have reached 90 degrees or higher for three or more consecutive days. During a Heat Emergency, cooling centers will be open across the City.
  
• For more summer safety tips, please visit the Boston Public Health Commission’s summer safety page at: www.bphc.org/summersafety.
  
• Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six. If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Information about low-cost window guards for Boston residents can be found at www.bphc.org/kidscantfly.
  
• Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  
• Residents can sign up for Alert Boston, the city’s emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts on by phone, email, or text. Sign up online: http://www.cityofboston.gov/oem/alertboston.asp.