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City of Springfield to Keep Cooling Centers Open

|   City News

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris announced today that the City of Springfield will be keeping the cooling centers open for Friday, September 8th, 2023 due to the anticipated heat.

According to local weather services, temperatures are expected to stay in 90s with humidity. 

Mayor Sarno states, “Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and I want to remind residents to be mindful and take the necessary steps to seek relief during these excessive hot days of summer.  Stay hydrated, check on your elderly neighbors, be mindful of your pets, and please take advantage of our wonderful park facilities that offer the resources for staying cool during these hot summer days.”

Cooling Center Sites are:

 

Site

Address

Day & Hours

 

Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center

 

1476 Roosevelt Ave, Springfield, MA 01109

 

September 8

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

 

 

Senior Center in the North End

 

310 Plainfield St., Springfield, MA 01107

 

September 8

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

 

 

Hungry Hill Senior Center

773 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA 01104

September 8

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

 

Mason Square Library Community Room

765 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109

September 8

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Indian Orchard Community Center at Myrtle Street Park

117 Main St., Springfield, MA 01151

 

September 8

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

 

 

Clodo Concepcion (Greenleaf) Community Center

 

 

1187 ½ Parker St., Springfield, MA 01129

September 8

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

 

South End Community Center

 

 

99 Marble St., Springfield, MA 01105

 

 

September 8

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

 

         

In addition to the cooling centers, residents can seek relief from the heat by visiting one of many neighborhood libraries, and senior centers for the elderly. 

Additionally, Mayor Sarno has directed Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management (PBRM), to keep city splash pads open until more seasonable weather.

Heat stress is a serious condition that poses a health threat to many people, particularly the elderly.  Heat stress places a strain on the body, and if the strain becomes too great, it can cause serious and permanent damage, even death. Preventive measures should be taken in order to avoid heat stress.

Certain medical conditions and prescription drugs can make you more vulnerable to heat stress. Those who have high blood pressure, diabetes, a weak or damaged heart, infection or fever, diarrhea, problems with circulation, skin diseases, sunburn, those who are overweight, or who have had a previous stroke are at a greater risk of falling victim to heat stress.  In addition, those who take medication for sleeplessness, high blood pressure, nervousness, depression, or poor circulation are also more susceptible to heat stress. If you fall into either of these categories, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Loss of appetite, lack of energy, fainting, and cramps are signs that you are losing the battle against heat.  Take the appropriate steps to protect yourself.

 

What you should do if the weather is extremely hot:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
  • Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
  • Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
  • Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals.  Avoid using salt tables unless directed to do so by a physician.
  • Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
  • Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
  • Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much as possible.
  • Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
  • Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.  Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

Keep your four-legged friends safely and comfortably at home during the extreme heat. 

  • Never leave an animal in a parked car.  Car rides can quickly turn deadly as the inside of a car can reach temperatures in excess of 120 degrees in several minutes.
  • Bring outdoor animals into cooler areas of your home.  If they must stay outside, ensure they have protection from the sun.  A dog house does not provide relief or protection from the heat.  Access to plenty of shade and cool potable water is critical to their well-being.
  • Limit exercise to hours when the sun is down and take it easy or better yet, wait until the heat wave ends.  Pets are prone to heat exhaustion just like people.  In addition, hot asphalt can burn their feet.
  • Animals are susceptible to sunburn.  Be sure any topical sunscreen products you use are labeled for use on animals.
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Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm