Fire Dept. shares tips to beat the heat

Chief Charles Doody and the Canton Fire Department would like to remind residents to take safety precautions while engaging in activities during hot weather, especially those that take place outdoors.

Extreme heat is a prolonged period of very hot weather, which may include high humidity. In Massachusetts, a “heat wave” is usually defined as a period of three or more consecutive days above 90 degrees. Temperatures were forecast to be in the 90s Tuesday through Sunday.

While typically designated as a cooling center, the Canton Public Library was closed as of Wednesday afternoon due to air conditioning repairs. As a result, the Canton Senior Center is available to any resident in need of relief from the heat while the library is closed. The Senior Center, located at 500 Pleasant Street, is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents can check for updates on the library’s status at library.canton.ma.us.

To prevent illness and injuries, the CFD recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:

* Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages or drinks with caffeine or large amounts of sugar, as they actually cause you to lose more body fluid.

* Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.

* If you’re outside, find shade and minimize direct exposure to the sun.

* Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.

* Avoid extreme temperature changes.

* Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.

* Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

* If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.

* Hot cars can be deadly — never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70-degree day.

* Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.

* Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Learn more about heat illnesses at cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html.

Additional Tips for Parents:

* Limit playtime at peak sun exposure and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.

* Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jul 21 2022. Filed under Featured Content. Both comments and pings are currently closed.