It’s hot out there…
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
It’s too hot to do what you had planned on doing. So why not take the kids (or go by yourself) for a couple of hours to the local library, Barnes & Noble or Borders. Libraries in our area: Fitchburg, Leominster, Lunenburg, – links with hours and programs. The Ayer library has passes to Davis Farmland - see link.
Get Ice Cream - Visiting New England has posted a top 10 list, but all ice cream is cold, and that’s what you want. There are some great places in the area – what’s your favorite?
Local beaches and pools: here is a State list of pools, with links to beaches and ponds on the upper right hand side. Local to us (and some of our favorites) are Leominster State Forest, Willard Brook, and Mirror Lake. Use plenty of sunscreen, and bring along a large thermos of iced water with lemon slices.
And from the mass.gov site:
During an Extreme Heat Emergency
- Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. Do not try to do too much on a hot day.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
- Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.
- Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body. Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.
- Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
- Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors.