For Immediate Release

Friday, June 29, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

A heat wave is coming to New England, and residents are urged to take all precautions necessary to stay safe and healthy.

Temperatures will be in the 80s today, but Saturday-Thursday will see five straight days of temperatures over 90 degrees, with Sunday-Tuesday featuring temperatures that will approach 100 degrees.

The following information was released by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at 7:15 Friday morning:

Beginning today and continuing through the weekend into next week

Heat and humidity will build across Southern New England, however at times there will be relief along the coast in part due to onshore sea-breezes.

Nevertheless, there is the risk with prolonged outdoor heat and exposure of heat-related illnesses, especially for people who are not wearing loose, light-weight clothing and/or are out in the sun for long periods of time.

Plenty of sunshine with a UV index of 9 or above, protection from sun damage is recommended. Highs ranging from the upper 80s to mid 90s. Heat indices as high as 105 degrees. High confidence.

For July 4

In addition to heat and humidity, there is the chance on the 4th for afternoon into evening scattered showers and thunderstorms.

As always, with cloud to ground lightning there is the threat to life. High confidence on heat and humidity, however lower with any inclement weather, associated timing and impacts.

MEMA Operations

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham is currently operating at Level 1 (Steady State Monitoring).  MEMA will continue to monitor the forecast and will disseminate Situational Awareness Statements as necessary.

Preparedness and Safety Information

• Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/thunderstorm-and-lightning-safety-tips
• Extreme Heat Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/extreme-heat-safety-tips
• Tornado Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/tornado-safety-tips

Stay Informed

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: http://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-alerts-smartphone-app.

Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times:http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html

Utilize MEMA’s live weather radar and forecasting tools: http://www.mass.gov/map-resources

Online Resources

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema
MEMA’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov
National Weather Service/Taunton at www.weather.gov/boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center:  http://www.spc.noaa.gov/

Mass211 at www.mass211.org

Monday, June 18, 2018

For Immediate Release

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Taunton Police and Fire Departments Offer Hot Weather Safety Tips

High Temperatures, Potentially Severe Thunderstorms Expected Today

TAUNTON — With temperatures expected to be in the 90s in some parts of the state today,  Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw would like to offer residents some tips on how to stay safe in the hot weather.

A heat advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for eastern Massachusetts from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. today.

The American Red Cross recommends the following in order to stay safe in the heat:

• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors that absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities and 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. Don’t forget to monitor your pets to ensure they are not suffering from the heat.
• If you do not have air conditioning, you should choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (libraries, theaters, malls, etc.).

Those exposed to high heat for a prolonged amount of time can fall victim to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion can be recognized by heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and cool, moist or pale skin. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place, lower their body temperature and give them water. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 911 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke, categorized by when the body’s core temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit or above, is life threatening. Signs include hot, red skin which can be either dry or moist, vomiting, and changes in consciousness. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke call 911 immediately and lower their body temperature.

To lower a person’s body temperature, try fanning the individual, spraying cool water on them or putting cool, wet cloths on them. In the case of heat stroke, quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

In addition, the NWS advises that there is the potential for severe thunderstorms later this afternoon that could have frequent lightning and damaging winds. Residents should:

• Avoid being outside in open areas if lightning is flashing.
• Do not swim in pools or other bodies of water when thunderstorms are ongoing.
• Stay indoors, if possible.
• If power goes out during the storm, contact Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP) to report an outage by calling 508-824-3111.
• To report a gas leak, contact Columbia Gas at their emergency line at 1-800-525-8222.
• If you have an emergency call 911. If you experience flooding in your home contact the Taunton Fire Department at 508-821-1452.

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