There is an excessive heat watch in place for Middlesex County starting Tuesday, June 18 in the afternoon through the evening of Friday, June 21. Over the next few days, Bedford will experience a record-breaking heat wave
Here is some information from the Town of Bedford regarding the issued excessive heat watch and how to stay safe during this time.
What is an excessive heat watch?
An excessive heat watch is issued with an excessive heat warning when a heat index is forecast to hit 105 degrees or higher. Heat index is what the weather feels like, combining humidity with the air temperature.
Why is it important to prepare for an excessive heat watch?
Extreme heat can be very dangerous and even life-threatening if precautions are not taken. Most heat-related illnesses occur because the victim has been over-exposed to heat.
What are some common heat-related illnesses?
- Heat stroke: the most severe heat-related illness. This occurs when the body can no
longer control its temperature, causing the body to be unable to cool down. - Heat exhaustion: the body’s response to loss of water and salt through excessive
sweating - Heat rash: skin irritation caused by excessive sweating
Symptoms: red clusters of pimples or small blisters
What to do: keep the rash area dry and apply powder for comfort
Who is at the highest risk for heat injury?
People over 65 years, children under the age of 5 years, and people who work outdoors.
What can I do to stay safe during times of extreme heat?
Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
Stay inside as much as possible: if you do not have air conditioning, stay on the
lowest floor of your home and out of the sun, or visit one of our cooling centers
(listed below).
If you must be outside: limit activity to morning and evening hours, rest in the
shade, drink plenty of water, and wear sunscreen.
If your home does not have air conditioning, consider visiting one of these locations:
Bedford Council on Aging: 12 Mudge Way, Bedford
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday: closed (also closed on
Wednesday, June 19 for Juneteenth)
Bedford Public Library: 7 Mudge Way, Bedford
Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday:
closed (also closed on Wednesday, June 19 for Juneteenth)
Burlington Mall: 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington
Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
During this current excessive heat watch, a cooling center will be open in the Training Room at the Bedford Police Department, 2 Mudge Way, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18 through
Friday, June 21.
Loading ...
