Boston declares heat emergency, opens cooling centers as region braces for sweltering conditions

Katie Brace,Frank O'Laughlin
·4 min read
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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has declared a heat emergency across the city with sweltering conditions expected to close out the work week.

Weather Alert: Heat, humidity, severe storms

“Extreme heat can be dangerous to health, and even fatal. We want our residents and visitors to be safe during hot weather,” the city said.

The emergency is in effect from Thursday through Friday. In Suffolk County, heat index values of 95 to 100 are expected, according to the National Weather Service.

Wu noted that 15 cooling centers will be open at BCYF centers in neighborhoods across the city on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BCYF Cooling Centers

Address

Phone

Cooling Center Hours
(subject to change)

BCYF Curley

1663 Columbia Road, South Boston 02127

617-635-5104

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Curtis Hall

20 South Street, Jamaica Plain 02130

617-635-5195

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Gallivan

61 Woodruff Way, Mattapan 02126

617-635-5252

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Gibbons (for older adults)

382 Main Street, Charlestown 02129

617-635-5175

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Grove Hall Senior Center

51 Geneva Avenue, Dorchester 02121

617-635-1484

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Holland

85 Olney Street, Dorchester 02121

617-635-5144

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Hyde Park

1179 River Street, Hyde Park 02136

617-635-5178

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Jackson Mann

500 Cambridge Street, Allston 02134

617-635-5153

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Nazzaro

30 North Bennet Street, Boston 02113

617-635-5166

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Paris Street

112 Paris Street, East Boston 02128

617-635-5125

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Roche

1716 Centre Street, West Roxbury 02132

617-635-5066

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Roslindale

6 Cummins Highway, Roslindale 02131

617-635-5185

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Shelburne

2730 Washington Street, Roxbury 02119

617-635-5213

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Tobin

1481 Tremont Street, Roxbury 02120

617-635-5216

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BCYF Vine Street

339 Dudley Street, Roxbury 02118

617-635-1285

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

In issuing a heat advisory, the NWS said, “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.”

There are a number of additional options for residents looking to beat the heat:

  • DCR pools are open until 7:45 p.m.

  • DCR wading pools are open until 7 p.m.

  • DCR spray decks are open until 9 p.m.

  • Extended hours for lifeguards at local beaches.

Feeling the heat? Take these steps to stay cool and save your AC system

The City of Boston urged residents to adhere to the following tips:

  • Drink more water no matter how active you are. Avoid alcohol and sugary or caffeinated drinks. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

  • Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

  • Know the difference between different heat-related illnesses.

  • A few hours in air conditioning can help your body recover and stay cool when you go back into the heat. Electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness.

  • Infants, children, people age 65 and older, and the homeless are at greater risk for heat-related illness. Other high-risk people are those who are physically ill or who take certain medications.

  • Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-15 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing, including long-sleeve shirts and hats.

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