| Sunday, August 9, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh
is reminding residents to take precautions to stay cool during the hot and
humid weather that is forecasted for today through Wednesday, August 12, 2020.
For the next three days, the temperature will reach the high 80s and low 90s,
with the heat index, or "real feel" temperature, reaching up to 96
degrees. "As we continue to take COVID-19
precautions, please take steps to keep yourself safe in the hot weather,"
said Mayor Walsh. "Whenever you're out, please wear a face covering, stay
six feet away from others, avoid crowds and wash your hands often. If you begin
to feel overheated, find a shaded place that's six feet away from others and
remove your face covering."
Mayor Walsh has not
declared a Heat Emergency. The City's two outdoor
pools, the BCYF
Clougherty Pool in Charlestown and the BCYF
Mirabella Pool in the North End, are now open seven days a week
through Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there
are several new protocols in place at the outdoor pools. Capacity has been
reduced to less than 40 percent capacity or 75 people per session and you must
register for a swim time slot ahead of time as walk-ins will not be allowed.
Registration opens 24 hours before the following day's sessions at Boston.gov/BCYF-Summer.
Tot
sprays are open at playgrounds in the City, with restrictions. Boston
Public Libraries and indoor City-operated pools remain closed to the public at
this time due to COVID-19 safety measures. Information on heat safety tips can be found
online at boston.gov/heat and
by following @CityofBoston on Twitter. Residents
can sign up for Alert Boston, the City's emergency notification system, to
receive emergency alerts by phone, email or text. Residents are also encouraged
to call 311 with any questions about available city services.
The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips
for all members of the public: Children
and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of
time. Stay
hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids
regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high
in sugar or caffeine. Adults and
children should use
sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear
protective, loose-fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats. Limit
outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest
often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when
the sun's UV radiation is strongest. Know
the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy
sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could
all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 911
immediately. Do not
delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related
deaths in the US and can exacerbate underlying illnesses. Keep
cool with showers, shade, and air
conditioning or fans. The City's two
outdoor pools, Urban
wilds and tot
sprays at playgrounds are open in Boston. When visiting,
residents should wear face coverings (unless in the spray), maintain 6
feet of distance, and wash hands before and after visiting.If it is cooler
outside than at home, wear a face covering and find a shady spot outside. If the face covering results in
overheating or trouble breathing, find a shaded area where 6 feet of
distance from others can safely be maintained and remove the face
covering. If no AC is available:
If you have
a child in your home, use
child window guards in addition to screens on any open
window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury
for children under the age of six. Secure
all window air conditioner units according
to the manufacturer's specifications. Please
call or virtually check on neighbors, especially older adults, and people
with disabilities.
Helping the Homeless: If you see
homeless individuals out in the heat who appear immobile or disoriented,
please call 911. Please ask them if they need assistance. The Boston
Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates emergency shelters at 112
Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave. These facilities are air
conditioned and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of
Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there
is adequate shelter, food, water, and a cool respite from the heat. Street
outreach teams providing recovery services, including the Engagement
Center behind 112 Southampton St., remain operating as normal during
summertime weather. All sites
(Shelters, the Engagement Center, comfort stations) are following COVID-19
guidelines by promoting handwashing, hand sanitizer, and face coverings.
Guests are provided sunscreen and water. Nursing teams are onsite to
support.
Playground
Safety: Children
should always wear shoes on playgrounds because surfaces can become
extremely hot and cause burns, even splash pads and spray decks. Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, children should wear a face covering (except while in
the water), stay 6 feet away from others, and wash/sanitize hands before
and after play.
Beach Safety: Per the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if going to a beach or a
large body of water, it is important to wear a face covering unless in the
water, stay 6 feet apart from others, and avoid crowds due to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic. Don't wear
face coverings in the water because they can be difficult to breathe
through when they're wet. This means it is particularly important to
maintain social distancing in the water. If the face covering results in
overheating or trouble breathing, find a shaded area where 6 feet of
distance from others can safely be maintained and remove the face
covering.
Outdoor Fires and
Grilling: No outdoor
fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires. Charcoal
grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the
wind and never leave unattended. When done, dispose of the ash in a metal
container once completely out. Propane tank
grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground.
Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a
building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane
tanks into a home. Grills should always be used in a
well-ventilated area
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