TAUNTON — Mayor Shaunna O’Connell, Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw, and Interim Emergency Management Director/Police Chief Edward Walsh would like to remind residents of cooling center information and hot weather safety tips ahead of another stretch of hot weather.
Temperatures are forecast to be in the upper-80s and 90s over the next several days.
City of Taunton officials would like to remind residents that there are several locations throughout the city that are open to those looking for relief from the heat, including:
- St. Thomas Episcopal Church//Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, 111 High St., is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28.
- Activities and movies will be provided by the Soup Kitchen Resource Center. Laundry, showers, drinking water, meals, and wet wipes for cooling will be available as well.
- The Church and Soup Kitchen will be closed on Saturday.
- Taunton Public Library, 12 Pleasant St., is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 27 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 28.
- The Library will be closed Saturday for their summer hours.
- Taunton Council on Aging Senior Center, 30 Olney St., will also be available during regular business hours to anyone in need of shelter from the heat: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 27 and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, July 28.
- The Senior Center is closed on Saturday.
Interim Emergency Management Director/Police Chief Edward Walsh is closely monitoring the situation. “At this time, there is no immediate need for a city-wide cooling center to be opened. However, there are several options for City residents in need of respite from the heat during the day, including the soup kitchen, senior center and public library. Should circumstances change, including power outages, we are prepared to provide wider access to cooling centers as needed,” said Chief Walsh.
To prevent illness and injuries, the Taunton Fire Department recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:
Heat Safety Tips
- Drink plenty of fluids, like water, 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.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
- If you’re outside, find shade and minimize direct exposure to the sun.
- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
- If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
- Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70-degree day.
- Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Additional Tips for Parents:
- Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
- Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.
Recognizing Heat Illnesses
Heat Cramps
- Look for: heavy sweating during intense exercise; muscle pain or spasms
- If you have heat cramps:
- Stop physical activity and move to a cool place
- Drink water or a sports drink
- Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity
- Get medical help if cramps last longer than 1 hour, you’re on a low-sodium diet or if you have heart problems
Heat Exhaustion
- Look for: heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; fainting
- If you expect heat exhaustion:
- Move to a cool place
- Loosen your clothes
- Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
- Sip water
- Get medical help if you are throwing up, your symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than one hour
Heat Stroke
- Look for: high body temperature (103°F or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; passing out
- If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke:
- Call 911 right away – heat stroke is a medical emergency
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do not give the person anything to drink
Learn more about heat illnesses here.
Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell is working closely with City stakeholders to ensure the safety of residents during the heat wave. “Our concern is always vulnerable residents during extreme weather. We are working with Human Services, Emergency Management, Fire and Police, as well as local organizations, to provide support and access to resources during this heat wave. Non-emergency calls may be directed to Human Services at 508-821-1420 and emergency calls may be directed to 508-823-5000. For pressing matters, residents should always dial 911,” said O’Connell.
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