City of Springfield to Keep Cooling Centers Open – Tuesday July 9th –

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris have announced that the city will keep Cooling Centers open on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

According to local weather services, temperatures are expected to continue to be in the 90s with very hot and humid conditions on Tuesday, July 9^th. Mayor Sarno has asked our HHS and Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management (PBRM) teams to coordinate to keep cooling centers, which were open Sunday and Monday, open on Tuesday as well.

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 cooling centers, libraries, and wonderful park facilities that offer the resources for staying cool during these hot summer days.”

“It is very important in extreme weather conditions that we afford those in need of assistance, especially our seniors and those dealing with medical challenges, these relief accommodations. Thank you to all our dedicated city staff and partners for working to get and keep our Cooling Centers up and running throughout the city.”

HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris states, “Heat stress is a serious condition that poses a health threat to many people, particularly the elderly. Preventive measures should be taken in order to avoid heat stress including staying out of the sun and drinking plenty of water. I encourage residents to take advantage of our cooling centers and to please check in on your family and neighbors, especially the older folks in our community.”

Cooling Centers will be available at seven locations on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Raymond A. Jordan Senior, the Hungry Hill Senior Center, the Mason Square Library Community Room, the Indian Orchard Community Center at Myrtle Street Park, the Senior Center in the North End at Kenefick Park, the South End Community Center, and the Clodo Concepcion (Greenleaf) Community Center.

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.