Take Precautions during Extreme Heat Conditions. Never Leave Children or Pets Alone in a Closed Vehicle.

Higher temperatures increase the risks of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Safety Tips Fact Sheet (Cambridge Public Health Dept 7-17-19)

During Extreme Heat:

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with 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. 
• 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 must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities.
• Check with your local authorities or Call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.
• If there are power outages during warm weather, take additional precautions or go to a cooling center or emergency shelter to stay cool.
• Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
• Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance.

Preparedness and Safety Information
Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety Tips 
Extreme Heat Safety Tips 
Tornado Safety Tips 

Helpful Links
Signs of Heat Related IIlness

Stay Informed
Massachusetts Alerts - Download this free app for smartphones to receive emergency notifications and information from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the National Weather Service.  

MEMA’s Real-Time Power Outage Viewer - Learn about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times.

MEMA’s Live Weather Radar and Forecasting Tools 

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 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