15 July, 2024
Police Chief Joseph Bennett and Fire Chief Gary Daugherty are offering heat safety tips and reminding parents to remain aware of their children and their surroundings during this week's extreme heat advisory.
Extreme heat is a prolonged period of very hot weather, which may include high humidity. In Massachusetts, a “heat wave” is usually defined as a period of three or more consecutive days above 90 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region through Wednesday. Temperatures on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are expected to climb into the 90s, with tropical-level humidity making it feel close to 100 degrees.
Infants and young children, people age 65 or older, and those with chronic illnesses have the highest risk of falling ill during extreme heat events.
Last week Hopkinton Police responded to an emergency where a child had been accidently locked in a hot vehicle for more than 10 minutes. A Hopkinton officer broke the car window with his baton to allow the baby's parents to retrieve their child. The baby was not harmed and is doing well.
It is not OK to leave your child inside a car with the windows up for any amount of time during an extreme heat advisory, as temperatures inside the vehicle can rise quickly.
Parents should also use caution when bringing their children out to play during daytime hours. Check playground equipment before allowing your children to play on it, as playground equipment and surfaces exposed to the sun can heat up and cause burns. Consider limiting outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Provide your children with plenty of opportunities to rest in shady areas with frequent water breaks. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and have them wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
The Hopkinton Public Library will be opened as a cooling center to residents Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
In addition, the Hopkinton Police and Fire Departments are advising the public of the following tips for preventing heat-related illnesses and to keep your children safe:
Closely watch infants and young children for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
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.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight, and help maintain normal body temperature.
Drink plenty of water — 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.
Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.
If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Avoid using your stove and oven.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities.
In addition, Hopkinton Police and Fire encourage residents to check in on elderly neighbors, those with health conditions, or anyone without access to air conditioning. Also, make sure pets have access to fresh water as well as shade and a cool place to rest.
Information on different types of heat-related illnesses can be found here.
Further summer safety guidance is also available at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website at following link.
https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-department-of-public-health-off…
