Emergency Management Director Christopher Coleman and town officials are urging community members to take precautions amid the National Weather Service’s extreme heat warning for the next several days.
The heat warning is in effect from Wednesday morning, July 1, through Saturday evening, July 4, with dangerously hot conditions expected, including temperatures climbing to 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, are expected to have the highest temperatures and worst humidity.
High temperatures and elevated humidity levels significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. It is crucial for individuals to take safety precautions during extreme heat conditions. To help residents find relief from the heat, several cooling centers will be open in town:
- Richards Memorial Library, 118 N Washington St., Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Senior Center, 204 Elm St., Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon
Richards Memorial Library and all town offices will close on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day, and will be closed on July 4.
The World War II Memorial Pool will be open to residents daily with extended hours Wednesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Entry to the pool is free, but residents must provide proof of residency with a photo ID and a current utility or tax bill. Please note that the pool will also be closed on July 4.
The following tips are courtesy the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:
- Community members should sign up to receive alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during, and after emergencies. Sign up now for the town’s emergency alert system, Everbridge, to receive alerts concerning time-sensitive and/or emergency information.
- Have an emergency kit on standby.
- Prepare the home for possible emergencies. Install air conditioners snugly, insulating if necessary. Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.
- Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty. Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Those without air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sun, and avoid using the stove.
- Note that electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness when temperatures are in the high 90s. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
- If extreme heat occurs and the house is too hot, visit air-conditioned public spaces such as the Richards Memorial Library.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to maintain body temperature.
- Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
- Muscular pains and spasms that occur in the legs or abdomen caused by heavy sweating may be a sign of heat cramps.
- Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, nausea, dizziness, headache, weakness, and/or exhaustion may be signs of heat exhaustion. This typically occurs when people overexert themselves in a warm, humid place, and often affects those doing strenuous work in hot weather.
- Extremely high body temperature, hot and red skin (dry or moist), loss of consciousness, changes in level of responsiveness rapid and weak pulse, rapid and shallow breathing, vomiting, confusion, and/or seizures may be signs of heat stroke. A person suffering from heat stroke needs immediate assistance. Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.
- Be a good neighbor and check on those who may need additional assistance.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the North Attleborough Fire Department at 508-699-0140.