MEMA
ADVISES CAUTION DURING EXTREMELY HOT WEATHER
FRAMINGHAM, MA – With the extremely
hot weather the Commonwealth is presently
experiencing, the Massachusetts Emergency
Management Agency (MEMA) is advising people
to be cautious during this period of extreme
heat, and is offering some tips to help keep
cool and safe.
“A few common sense measures can reduce
heat-related problems, especially for the
elderly, the very young and people with respiratory
ailments, who are more susceptible to the
effects of high temperatures,” said
MEMA Acting Director Kurt Schwartz. “As
this extreme weather continues, some communities
may be setting up cooling centers to assist
those seeking relief from the oppressive heat.”
Here are some tips to follow during hot, humid
weather:
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity.
Do not try to do too much on a hot day.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored
clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and
sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.
Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and
often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Attempt
to stay hydrated.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
They can actually dehydrate your body.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular
meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase
metabolic heat.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you do not have air conditioning,
stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun.
Electric fans do not cool the air, but they
do help evaporate perspiration, which cools
your body.
• Go to a place where you can get relief
from the heat, such as air conditioned schools,
libraries, theaters and other community facilities
that may offer refuge during the warmest times
of the day.
• Check with your community for information
about possible local ‘cooling centers’
•
Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon
sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers.
Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the
heat that enters a home by up to 80%.
• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows
the skin’s ability to cool itself. If
you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with
a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
• Never leave children or pets alone
in a closed vehicle.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors.
In normal weather, the body’s internal
thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates
and cools the body. However, in extreme heat
and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and
the body must work extra hard to maintain
normal temperature, which may lead to heat
cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If
you believe you, or anyone you are with, is
experiencing a heat-related medical emergency,
promptly call 911, and if possible, move to
a cooler place.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
(MEMA) is the state agency responsible for
coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary
and private resources during emergencies and
disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans
for effective response to all hazards, disasters
or threats; train emergency personnel to protect
the public; provide information to the citizenry;
and assist individuals, families, businesses
and communities to mitigate against, prepare
for, and respond to and recover from emergencies,
both natural and man made.
For additional information about MEMA and
Hurricane Preparedness Month, go to www.mass.gov/mema.
Continue to follow information from MEMA on
Facebook and Twitter. |
|
|
|
|
|
