The city has opened a cooling center during the extreme heats of this week and is welcoming residents to come cool down in certain city buildings. “Locations such as CambridgeSide and local movie theaters are also all good places to cool off,” city spokesperson Lee Gianetti said, and the Gold Star Pool is open to residents Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; waterplay features across the city are also running.

Citywide cooling center

There’s a cooling center open in the Field House at the War Memorial Recreation Center, 1640 Cambridge St., Mid-Cambridge. The cooling center will be open noon to 6 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cambridge residents looking to use the center can enter the facility via the walkway between the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School’s arts building and the Main Library. It is open to residents of all ages. Individuals coming to the cooling center should remember to bring any required medications, city officials said.

Cambridge Public Libraries

Cambridge Public Library branches will be open to the public for services and as a place for residents to cool off. Hours of operation are:

Citywide Senior Center

The Citywide Senior Center at 806 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, will be open to seniors from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. General questions can be directed to the Council on Aging’s main line: 617-349-6220.

Homeless safety

Extreme temperatures pose a severe risk to the safety and health of people staying outdoors. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you see on the street, call the FirstStep Street Outreach team at (617) 592-6895 or call 911 in a medical emergency.

Cambridge police vehicles have coolers of cold bottles of water, and officers on patrol will distribute water to any residents in the community who are in need.

Heat stroke emergency

Call 911 in a heat stroke emergency. Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature of more than 103 degrees; hot, red, dry or moist skin; a rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness. If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. 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.

Some medications can affect the body’s ability to regulate heat and thus place those who take them at more risk for heat-related issues. View list of common Medications that can impair thermoregulation.

For more information and tips on how to stay healthy and safe during hot weather and extreme heat, visit: https://www.cambridgema.gov/news/2021/06/extremeheatinformation.