Safety Tips

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle – even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.

• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.

• Drink plenty of water — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.

• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.

• Limit outdoor activities and exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.

• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor and out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven.

• Many parks and playgrounds around the city have water play features or sprinklers. A map of those parks can be found at somervillema.gov/publicspace.

• If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours.

• Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

• 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.

• Make sure pets have plenty of water and a cool place to rest.

• If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature over 103 degrees; hot, red, dry, or moist skin; a rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness. While waiting for help to arrive, move the person into a cool area, help cool them down with wet towels or a cool bath, and DO NOT give them fluids.

• For more safety tips, visit cdc.gov/extremeheat and visit www.somervillema.gov/keepcool for more strategies to stay cool in the heat.  

Help take care of our thirsty trees

The Department of Public Works is working on mulching public trees to help them retain water through the hot weather and moderate drought. We appreciate residents who can help out by watering any trees they see that have not been mulched and look dry. The best way to water trees is to water via a slow trickle over a longer period of time rather than a full stream of water for a short period. Should the drought continue and result in any calls for water conservation by the State, please do not water trees if it would violate water conservation recommendations. 

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings should contact Nancy Bacci in advance at 617-625-6600 x2250 or NBacci@somervillema.gov.  

— City of Somerville