WRENTHAM – With a heat wave expected in Massachusetts this weekend, Town Administrator and Wrentham Emergency Management Director Kevin Sweet would like to remind Wrentham residents to take safety precautions during their summer activities, especially those that take place outdoors.
“Both Saturday and Sunday are expected to see temperatures reaching close to 100 degrees in Wrentham,” Sweet said. “We are asking residents to please check in on their elderly and disabled neighbors who might not have air conditioning in their homes to make sure that they are safe this weekend.”
An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service beginning at noon on Friday and ending at 8 p.m. Sunday.
To prevent illness and injuries, the Wrentham Emergency Management Agency recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:
Heat Safety Tips:
- 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.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water.
- 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.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
- Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
- Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
- Learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.
Tips for Parents:
- Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time 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.
To learn more about summer safety, visit the American Red Cross or National Safety Council websites.
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Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
