Oppressive Heat and Humidity This Week-Massachusetts Emergency Management Statement #1

The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting a period of oppressive heat and humidity today through this weekend with heat indices topping out at 95 – 102 degrees. A heat advisory is in effect today though 8:00 PM tomorrow, July 20th. Similar conditions are expected to continue through Thursday, July 21st before slightly less humid weather arrives for Friday. Potential for strong to severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon.

Impacts/ Potential Impacts: Heat related issues to at risk population and those doing higher levels of outdoor physical activities.

Heat Advisory: Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (see below and attached). Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Older people can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature inside or outside does not have to reach 100°F (38°C) to put them at risk for a heat-related illness.

Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea could be a sign of a heat-related illness. Go to the doctor or an emergency room to find out if you need treatment.
To keep heat-related illnesses from becoming a dangerous heat stroke, remember to:
1. Get out of the sun and into a cool place—air-conditioning is best.
  1. We have transportation to the COA for anyone who needs to come to us for a cooler environment
    - Call 508-252-5947 ext. 3127 OR 508-962-4558
2. Drink fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine. Water and fruit or vegetable juices are good choices.
3. Shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water.
4. Lie down and rest in a cool place.
Visit your doctor or go to an emergency room if you don’t cool down quickly.

Attachment	Size
MEMA-Situational Awareness Statement #1	437.91 KB
Heat - Extreme Heat #1	215.01 KB
Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke Symptoms	3 MB

Older people can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature inside or outside does not have to reach 100°F (38°C) to put them at risk for a heat-related illness.

Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea could be a sign of a heat-related illness. Go to the doctor or an emergency room to find out if you need treatment.

To keep heat-related illnesses from becoming a dangerous heat stroke, remember to:

Get out of the sun and into a cool place—air-conditioning is best.

We have transportation to the COA for anyone who needs to come to us for a cooler environment

Call 508-252-5947 ext. 3127 OR 508-962-4558

Drink fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine. Water and fruit or vegetable juices are good choices.

Shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water.

Lie down and rest in a cool place.

Visit your doctor or go to an emergency room if you don’t cool down quickly.