By Sharron Luttrell
With an extreme heat warning in effect through Saturday, the town’s Office of Emergency Management has activated a cooling center at the Mendon Senior Center.
The cooling center will be open today and Thursday from 8:30-3:30 p.m., and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Mendon Senior Center is located at 62 Providence St.
“The next three days are going to be pushing 100 and the humidity high. We wanted to make sure we give people a place to cool off,” Emergency Management Director Police Chief David Kurczy said.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for southern New England through Saturday at 8 p.m., with a forecast of heat index values at 98 to 115 degrees.
In a Facebook post, the Mendon Police Department encouraged residents to keep extra drinking water on hand in the event of a power outage and to “stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and check in on elderly neighbors, friends, family members, and anyone who may need assistance.”
Most vulnerable to extreme heat are people who:
- Have asthma, especially children
- Have heart disease
- Are pregnant
- Are 65 or older
- Are working or exercising in the heat
- Are infants or young children
The National Weather Service recommends staying safe in extreme heat by:
- Limiting activity
- Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing
- Eating light, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads
- Drinking plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Staying in air-conditioned places
- Taking a cool bath or shower
- Avoiding directing portable electrics fans toward yourself when the temperature is above 90 degrees; the dry air will dehydrate you faster
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Kurczy at dkurczy@mendonpolice.com.
