It’s time to talk keeping cool across the Tri-Town area. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region, with temperatures expected to climb at least through mid-week into the 90s, with tropical-level humidity making it feel close to 100 degrees.
Fortunately, cooling centers are available to all Tri-Town residents this summer. Residents looking for a break from the heat in Marion can visit the Cushing Community Center on Route 6 and the Elizabeth Taber Library on Spring Street, both of which will be open normal business hours, Marion’s Public Health Director Lori Desmarais and Fire Chief Brian Jackvony have announced. The Community Center is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, as are all town offices. Taber Library is open Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Tuesday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The cooling center for Rochester residents is located in the town’s Senior Center, 67 Dexter Lane, which is home to the Rochester Council on Aging. It opens at 7:00 am every weekday and stays open until 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday and until 1:00 pm on Friday.
The spacious, fully air-conditioned center boasts a back-up generator if the power goes out elsewhere in town, COA Director Eric Poulin said. Should there be an extreme heat emergency, he said, Fire Chief Scott Weigel will be able to make the call to activate that spare power source.
July is usually the slowest month attendance-wise, Poulin noted. But he has already heard one or two seniors say they were there because it has been designated as the town’s official cooling center.
Poulin added proudly that last year was a record year for Senior Center attendance in general. There were 632 Rochester COA members, and aside from that number approximately 335 other residents visited the center every month. That compares well to 2022 when there were 453 members and approximately 300 other visitors. “We are tracking to have that same number this year,” he said.
According to Mattapoisett Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, Old Rochester Regional High School will serve as the town’s cooling center in the case of an extreme heat emergency. Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason King has the decision on whether to designate a cooling center in such a case, Lorenco told The Wanderer.
Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has offered important tips. The first of these is never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes.
With similar safety concerns in mind, people should slow down and avoid strenuous activity. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. This is because light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.
People are advised to drink plenty of water before getting thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather. Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time. If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover.
Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat. If you do not have air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor of your residence, out of the sun. Avoid using your stove and oven. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illnesses.
Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters and other community facilities.
In addition, the Tri-Towns encourage residents to check in on elderly neighbors, those with health conditions, or anyone without access to air conditioning. Also, make sure pets have access to fresh water, as well as shade and a cool place to rest.
Information on different types of heat-related illnesses can be found at: mass.gov/info-details/extreme-heat-safety-tips, and further summer safety guidance is available at: mass.gov/news/massachusetts-department-of-public-health-offers-summer-safety-guidance.
By Michael J. DeCicco