Mayor Wu declares heat emergency, opens cooling centers citywide

The emergency will last from July 15 to July 17, Wu announced on Sunday.

By Eva Levin
Children cool off in the Frog pond.
Children cool off in the Frog Pond in Boston Common. Boston Globe staff photo by John Tlumacki

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency starting Monday, July 15 to Wednesday, July 17 as the city will likely see temperatures in the 90s. She also announced the opening of cooling centers across the city, open to all residents and visitors. 

This is the second official heat emergency the city has faced in as many months. The upcoming week will have Bostonians feeling temperatures rising to the mid-90s, and going as high as 96 degrees. The National Weather Service also declared a heat advisory, saying the heat index will reach 102 degrees in and around Boston. 

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“As we face another round of hot weather in Boston, our city teams are working to ensure all residents, especially children and seniors, have the resources to stay cool,” Wu said in a statement.

What are cooling centers?

Cooling centers are just what they sound like: places for people to cool off and take a break during the heat wave. 

“We encourage residents to look out for each other and take full advantage of our cooling centers in addition to other cooling resources across the City,”  Chief of Emergency Preparedness Adrian Jordan said. 

Cooling centers will come in all shapes and forms, whether that be a misting tent or an air-conditioned library.

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Where can I find a cooling center?

City-sponsored cooling centers will be all around Boston come July 15. The city says that 14 Boston Centers for Youth and Families will become cooling centers from 9-5. In addition, several YMCAs around town will also double as an air-conditioned safe haven from the humidity.

Splash pads for people of all ages will be on to serve as another way to cool off. Memberships to public pools are free, and the city says there are now more public pools in Boston than ever before. 

All branches of the Boston Public Library will serve as cooling centers, and residents will see pop-up misting centers around City Hall and all Boston Housing Authority sites.

A full list of city cooling centers is available here. 

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How can I protect myself from the heat?

Wu’s office laid out several tips to stay cool in this heat wave:

  • Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.
  • Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans. 
  • Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is strongest.
  • Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. and can exacerbate underlying illnesses.
  • Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing including long sleeve shirts and hats.
  • If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six. 
  • Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • If you are heading to a beach, lake, or pool to beat the heat, swim where lifeguards are present. Always watch children near the water and make sure they’re wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
  • Call or check on neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities.
  • Keep pets indoors, hydrated, and cool as asphalt and ground conditions are significantly hotter and unsafe during heat.
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