City of Cambridge Opens Cooling Center and Other Locations for Residents to Cool Off

To provide opportunities for residents to stay out of the extreme heat this week, the City of Cambridge is opening a cooling center and welcoming people to come cool down in certain city buildings. Locations such as CambridgeSide and local movie theaters are also all good places to cool off. Additionally, Gold Star Pool is open to residents (Monday through Friday from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.), and waterplay features across the city are operational.

Citywide Cooling Center Open June 28-30, 2021:

On Monday, June 28, the City of Cambridge will open a cooling center in the Field House at the War Memorial Recreation Center located at 1640 Cambridge Street. The cooling center will be open from 12-6 p.m. - on Monday and from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cambridge residents looking to utilize the cooling center can enter the facility via the walkway between the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School's Arts building and the Main Library (door 20). The cooling center is open to residents of all ages. Individuals coming to the cooling center should remember to bring any required medications.

Cambridge Citywide Senior Center:

The Cambridge Citywide Senior Center located at 806 Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square, will be open to seniors from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

General questions can be directed to the Council on Aging’s main line: 617-349-6220.

Cambridge Public Libraries:

Cambridge Public Library branches will be open to the public for services and as a place for residents to cool off. View hours of operation.

Homeless Safety:

Extreme temperatures pose a severe risk to the safety and health of people remaining outdoors. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you see on the street, please contact the FirstStep Street Outreach team at 617-592-6895 or call 911 if it is a medical emergency.

Cambridge Police vehicles have coolers of cold bottles of water, and  officers on patrol will distribute water to any residents in the community who are in need.

Free Rides to the Cambridge Cooling Center during Heat Wave:

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is offering free transportation to help older adults and adults with disabilities cope with heatwaves this summer.

Free cab rides to the Cambridge Senior Center Cooling Center at 806 Mass Ave are available on Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents from Cambridge and Somerville are welcome to cool off there. The cooling center will be open to seniors from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

SCES will offer transportation to local cooling centers during heat waves throughout the summer. To arrange for transportation, call 617-628-2601 and ask for the Transportation Department.

General questions about the cooling center can be directed to the Council on Aging’s main line: 617-349-6220.

Call 911 in an Emergency:

Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature over 103 degrees; hot, red, dry, or moist skin; a rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness. If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, move the person into a cool area, help cool them down with wet towels or a cool bath, and do not give them fluids.

Some medications can that impact the body's ability to regulate heat and thus places those who take them at more risk for heat related issues.  View list of common Medications that can impair thermoregulation.

For more information and tips on how to stay healthy and safe during hot weather and extreme heat. https://www.cambridgema.gov/news/2021/06/extremeheatinformation