The lead-up to Independence Day weekend is expected to be a scorcher.
Both Cambridge and Somerville have declared heat emergencies July 1 – 4 due to “extreme” and “dangerously hot” temperatures. The heat index, which measures the “real feel” of temperature on a human body, could be as high as 110 degrees.
Both cities have released available resources and tips to the public for beating the heat.
Seek shelter
If you don’t have strong fans or air conditioning (or if you lose power), head to a cool place. Public libraries in Cambridge and Somerville are welcoming people seeking air conditioning and shelter from the heat during regular hours. Note that all branches in Cambridge will be closed on Friday and Saturday in observance of Independence Day. In Somerville, all branches will be closed on Saturday.
Seniors are invited to visit the Somerville Council on Aging’s senior centers in Teele Square and Inner Belt, and Cambridge’s senior center in Central Square.
Residents of area shelters will be allowed to stay indoors during the day.
Other public spaces include MIT Cool Spots (MIT Museum, MIT Welcome Center, MIT Koch Institute, and the Broad Discovery Center) and Cambridgeside mall.
Splish splash
You may want to avoid outdoor activities, particularly during the late afternoon. But other times, you can still enjoy being outside, especially if you know the nearest local park or pool.
Splash pads are open in many Cambridge and Somerville parks, including Danehy and Lincoln Park.
Pools in both Cambridge and Somerville are also open. In Somerville, Dilboy (which is free for all) and Latta Brothers Memorial Pool (which is free to Massachusetts residents) will be open on Saturday, July 4. In Cambridge, Gold Star Pool (which is free to Cambridge residents) will be open over the weekend while the War Memorial Pool will be closed on Friday.
Stay hydrated
If you’re on the go, bring water with you or make a plan for hydrating. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends one cup every 15-20 minutes during a heat emergency. It is advised to drink smaller amounts frequently rather than chugging large amounts infrequently.
Somerville will provide free bottled water at City Hall and all Somerville Public Library locations during regular business hours Wednesday through Friday.
Cool your home
If you’re staying in, here are ways to cool your home down: Close windows, curtains or blinds to block sun and hot air during the day. Turn off lights and electronics and avoid using appliances that generate heat like dishwashers, dryers, stoves or ovens.
Take care of others
Know the signs of a heat stroke: Hot and red skin, a fast pulse, nausea, headache, dizziness. Do not give a person who may be suffering from a heat stroke fluids, as they may aspirate instead of swallowing. Instead, move them to a cool place, and give them cold wet towels or a cool bath.
Heat exhaustion may appear in the form of heavy sweating, clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, headaches. Move a person suffering from heat exhaustion to a cool place. Loosen their clothes and encourage them to sip water.
Heat cramps may look like profuse sweating, muscle cramps or spasms. If you are experiencing these symptoms, cease physical activity and move to a cool place to rest and hydrate.
If you see someone who may need help during the heat emergency, the city of Cambridge asked residents to call the outreach services provider First Step at 617-592-6895, or 911 in the event of an emergency.
Pets are sensitive to extreme heat as well and may not be able to cool down as quickly as humans. Help them hydrate and find cool places to rest. Take animals that need walks during cooler times of the day.
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