Stoughton Opens Cooling Center With Deadly Heat Forecast

STOUGHTON, MA — A heatwave is coming to Massachusetts this weekend, and could be deadly to those who can't find shelter. Temperatures are expected to be between 96 and 102 degrees, with a real feel temperature of up to 112 degrees in greater Boston.

Stoughton residents should drink plenty of fluids and stay in an air conditioned room whenever possible. If you don't have an air conditioner, the town has set up the following location as a cooling center for those who need relief from the heat.

• Old Colony YMCA of Stoughton, located at 445 Central Street, open noon to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Heat-related illnesses

To prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke, experts recommend the following tips:

• Drink more fluids than usual, and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids that contain high amounts of sugar.
• Check on friends and neighbors, particularly those who are caring for young children and those who are elderly.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
• Stay out of the sun. Find a shaded area where you can sit and relax, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Add a hat if you must be outside.
• Limit outdoor activities, especially at mid-day. If you exercise outdoors, move your workout to a morning or evening time, take it indoors to an air-conditioned environment, or try swimming, which is a great summer exercise.
• If you work outside, wear sunscreen and re-apply frequently, pace your activity, stay hydrated and check on co-workers.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down, particularly if you're unable to be in an air-conditioned location.
• Avoid turning on your oven, if possible. It will make your house hotter.
• Never leave young children or pets in parked cars, even with the windows down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale or clammy skin, a faint or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting and fainting. To treat symptoms of heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler area and loosen their clothing. Have them sip water and apply cool, wet cloths to help cool them down. Seek medical attention if they begin to vomit or if symptoms worsen or don't go away after an hour.

Heat stroke, meanwhile, is a more serious condition. Symptoms include a high body temperature of 103 degrees or more, skin that is hot, dry, red or moist, rapid pulse, confusion and loss of consciousness. If someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately and then move the person to a cooler area and apply cold cloths or put the person in a cool bath to lower their body temperature.