The City of Pittsfield has announced that with the high heat advisory in effect Friday, July 19, through Sunday, July 21, several cooling centers are in place to assist those seeking relief from the heat. The heat index is forecasted to be between 90-100 degrees for those consecutive days.

Hours of operation and locations for the cooling centers include the following:

• Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North St.: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday; noon-4p.m. Saturday; and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday. Please note all hours of operation will be extended as needed.

• Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Ave.: 9 a.m-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
• The Salvation Army, 298 West St.: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-noon and 4-6 p.m. Sunday.
• The Christian Center, 193 Robbins Ave.: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday.

For those who may need transportation, the city will be providing free rides to the above locations. Staff at senior housing facilities are encouraged to arrange the pickup of residents to ensure all have access to this resource. Vehicles are accessible. For ride information, please call 499-9346.

During periods of high heat, the body has to work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Excessive heat can cause stress on the human body. Young children, elderly people, and those who are sick or overweight are more at risk of heat-related illness. Individuals with chronic illness should also be particularly cautious to avoid heat stress

Public Health Director Gina Armstrong.

If the strain on the body becomes too great, it can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These are serious heat-related conditions that pose a health threat, including permanent health damage and even death.

Preventative measures should be taken in order to avoid heat stress include:

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity.
• Drink plenty of water — even if you are not 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.
• Drinking sports drinks can replace the salt and potassium that may be lost by sweating. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Limit outdoor exercise and outdoor work, if possible.
• If you must go outside, try to do so either in the morning or in the evening. While outside, take frequent breaks and find air-conditioned places or shady areas where you can rest. This will give your body a chance to recover.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and a hat with vents such as straw hats.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool off.
• At the first signs of heat illness, go to a cooler place and rest.

Pets can also suffer from excessive heat. Make sure your pets have adequate drinking water and do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.

Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.

For more information and non-emergencies, please call 211.

 

 

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