Climate change is forcing summer temperatures higher every year. When they surpass 90 degrees for more than a few days, we need to take extra steps to protect ourselves – and we need to be prepared to do that with the power out, since electricity use will spike with more people running their air conditions, and we may experience blackouts.
Below is information about how to get ready for heat and what to do once it hits. You can also print out our Ready for Heat Flyer for Residents or Ready for Heat Flyer for Businesses and Organizations. We also have flyers you can download in multiple languages:
Heat-related terms to know
It’s important to know how we talk about heat, in order to know how to prepare and respond. Below are some common terms. For more information, visit the National Weather Service.
- Heat Index: A measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature
- Excessive Heat Watch: Weather conditions are favorable for an excessive heat warning in the next 24 to 72 hours,
- Heat Advisory: Daytime temperatures hit between 100ºF and 104ºF for two or more hours.
- Excessive Heat Warning: Daytime heat indices of greater than or equal to 105°F for two or more hours
Know the signs of heat-related illness
Extreme heat causes the body to lose fluids rapidly through sweating, increasing the risk of dehydration, which, in turn, can contribute to severe heat-related illnesses. Vulnerable populations like the elders, children, pregnant people, unhoused people, and people with pre-existing health conditions are especially at risk.
You should know how to identify heat-related illnesses so you can help yourself and others in case of an emergency. The signs include: headaches; dizziness; nausea; confusion; cramps; high body temperature; hot, red, dry, or moist skin; and a rapid and strong pulse.
To learn more about heat-related illnesses, what you can do, and when to seek medical attention, click here for resources from the state of Massachusetts.
Keep pets safe
Extreme heat is also dangerous for pets, and leaving an animal in a hot car – even for a short time, and even with the windows open – can kill. Pets do not sweat the way humans do and they cannot cool their bodies efficiently in hot temperatures.
Also, hot pavement can scorch your pet’s feet. Consider protecting your dog’s paws. When in doubt, keep your pets healthy and safe this summer by leaving them home with lots of water.
Know where you’ll go to get cool
If the power goes out during a heat wave, being at home may not be a good idea. Make a list of nearby places you can go to get cool and post it somewhere you can find it easily.
- Consider air-conditioned places, including movie theaters and shopping malls like CambridgeSide.
- Visit Cambridge's public libraries.
- Visit Cambridge's Cool Spots -- public spaces where community members are encouraged to gather, connect, and cool off. MIT also has some air conditioned Cool Spots.
- The Cambridge Senior Center is available for our older adults. Find their schedule and activities here.
If you have to spend time outside, plan to be in the shade, or in the water.
- To find a splash pad, pool or park in Cambridge with waterplay features, check out our interactive map.
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation's Veterans Memorial Pool and McCrehan Memorial Pool are also open in the City.
- Keep the Cambridge Public Health Department's tips for swimming safe this summer in mind.
Other steps to take before the heat hits
- Monitor the weather. Watch your local news or visit the National Weather Service for advisories and alerts. Regularly check the Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast to learn about possible upcoming heat emergencies.
- If there are advisories and alerts, fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and other electronic devices in case there is a power outage.
- Have supplies on hand in case there’s a power outage, including batteries, flashlights, and nonperishable food. Avoid burning candles during a power outage. If you must, keep them clear of flammable materials and do not leave unattended.
- If you have life-support devices, such as home dialysis, breathing machines, or other medical equipment that depend on electricity, talk to your health care provider about how to use them during a power outage, let the Fire Department know about your needs, and contact your electric company and equipment suppliers. Some utility companies will put you on a "priority reconnection service" list.
- If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
What to do at home when its hot
- Close windows and blinds during the day. Conserve as much energy as possible to avoid power disruptions. Turn off all nonessential appliances and lights in unoccupied rooms.
- Use air conditioning or fans. If you are concerned about the cost of running your air conditioner, check to see if you are eligible to receive a discounted electricity rate from Eversource to help lower your electricity bills. To learn about a variety of energy saving programs, including a utility bill helpline, visit Cambridgeenergyalliance.org.
How to take care of yourself once the heat hits
- Stay hydrated. Keep drinking water, even if you don't feel like it. Drink two to four glasses of cool fluids every hour. Avoid alcoholic drinks, caffeine, and sugar. Bring water with you and use public water fountains and water refill stations in City parks.
- Limit outdoor activities to mornings and evenings when it is cooler. Be sure to decrease your overall level of physical exertion. When outside, seek shade. Stay under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. Staying in the shade also helps with staying cool in hot weather.
- Use lip balm with sunscreen, and put a thick layer of sunscreen on your body. Look for products that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels, and at least SPF 15 or higher. Reapply regularly. Learn more on the FDA’s website. (Sunscreen is not recommended for infants younger than six months; use other methods to keep babies cool, like hats.)
- Wear sunglasses. They protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. Sunglasses also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
- Wear a hat. For the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, your ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing that covers the skin and provides protection from UV rays. Some clothing is certified under international standards as offering UV protection.
- Take cool showers.
- Place an extra handkerchief or neck gaiter into cold water. Wring it out so it does not drip all over. Place or tie it around your neck. Repeat throughout the day.
- Take care of your sunburn. Take cool baths or showers to help with the pain. Use creams or over-the-counter pain medications if your doctor allows. Stay out of the sun until skin is healed. Learn more at the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s How to Treat Sunburn web page and the CDC’s Sun Exposure at Work page.
- Check your skin regularly. Keep an eye on your skin for any new spots, spots that itch, or a mole that is changing shape, size, or color. Learn How to Do a Skin Self-Exam and Checking Your Skin for Signs of Cancer by the American Cancer Society. If you notice any suspicious spots, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. When detected early, skin cancer—including melanoma—is highly treatable. Learn more about early detection of skin cancer.
How to help your community
- Be a good neighbor. Be sure to check on others, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.
- Check on people who are unhoused. If you are concerned about a person who is unhoused, please call First Step at (617) 592-6895 or call 911 if the person is experiencing an emergency.
- If you or people around you experience any of the signs of heat-related illness, seek medical help or call 911.
Learn more about how to handle heat
Specialists at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health, are available to answer your questions at (617) 624-5757 (TTY: (617) 624-5286).