Hot Weather Follow-Up

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Last night we shared a smore with hot weather updates and tips. Please reference that for weather-related definitions and outdoor play guidance in hot weather: https://www.smore.com/12ytz

See below for tips to stay cool, local food resources, and some great information from the City of Framingham regarding cooling centers.

If you or your family needs access to food, please see below for the hours and locations of local organizations who can help

• Breakfast: 9-10am
• Lunch: 12pm-1pm
• Food Pantry All Day

Lucy & Joe Food Pantry: 475 Franklin Street Appt. Available 508-875-3100

With temperatures forecasted to be 90 degrees, the City has activated three cooling centers within designated municipal buildings that can be utilized by residents to escape the heat and cool down with air conditioning, free water, and other amenities, including electrical outlets.

They are:

• Main Framingham Public Library, 49 Lexington Street. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Christa McAuliffe Library branch, 746 Water Street. 9:30 to 9 p.m.
• Callahan Center, 535 Union Avenue. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cooling centers are for both Framingham residents and any non-residents, who need to get out of the heat.

Service animals are permitted however, other pets are not.

Those who need to cool off and get out of the heat are welcome to walk into any location mentioned above within the stated times. Appointments are not necessary.

In these extreme temperatures, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur. Know the difference and watch for signs and symptoms.

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Heat exhaustion: When your body loses excess amounts of water and salt, typically from sweating.

• Symptoms: Heavy sweating; weakness or tiredness; cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; muscle cramps; dizziness; nausea or vomiting; headache; fainting
• First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. Get medical help right away if: You are throwing up; Your symptoms get worse; or Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour

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Heat stroke: A serious medical emergency that occurs when your body is unable to control its internal temperature.

• Symptoms: High body temperature (103°F or higher); Hot, red, dry, or damp skin; Fast, strong pulse; Headache; Dizziness; Nausea; Confusion; Losing consciousness (passing out)
• First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.

For more information on all of these heat related illnesses, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site.

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.
• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.
• Drink plenty of fluids — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.
• If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF.