Heatwave through Friday, August 13 ~ Guidance from the Bedford Health Department

~ Submitted by the Bedford Health Department

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for today, Wednesday, August 11^, for much of Massachusetts, including the Bedford area, with an Excessive Heat Watch in effect until through Friday, August 13, 2021. Three consecutive days at or over 90 degrees constitutes a heatwave for our region.

Hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illness to occur if you are not careful. With this forecast, please be mindful of ways to prevent heat-related illness and stay safe.

Drink Plenty of Fluids
During hot weather, you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink (Note: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot). Popsicles, watermelon, cantaloupe, fruit salads, and Jell-o all contain a lot of water, and summertime is the perfect time to indulge in such treats. Avoid caffeine and alcohol whenever possible.

Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen
Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Use a sunscreen product rated at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 and apply it liberally to all exposed skin at least 30-60 minutes before going out into the sun.

Stay Cool Indoors
Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned area. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider other locations that may have air conditioning like:

• the shopping mall – the Burlington Mall is open Monday – Thursday, 11 am – 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am – 9 pm and Sunday 11 am – 6 pm)
• the public library – the Bedford Free Public Library at 7 Mudge Way is open Monday through Thursday 9 am – 9 pm, Friday, 9 am – 6 pm and Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm)
• the Bedford Council on Aging at 12 Mudge Way is open Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm.

Monitor Those at High Risk for Heat-Related Illness

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.

• Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.

Heat Illness Questions and Answers

• What are heat cramps? Heat Cramps occur after vigorous activities like running or playing tennis. Their signs are painful abdominal spasms and cramps in major muscles such as the legs and abdomen. Cramps subside with rest, cooling down, and plenty of water.
• What is Heat Exhaustion? Heat Exhaustion has many symptoms-fever, heavy sweating, fainting, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, clammy skin, ashen skin tone, and nausea. Overexertion and not drinking enough water is the usual cause. To treat it, go indoors with a fan or air conditioning or to a shady spot, apply cool cloths, immediately lie down with your legs elevated, loosen tight clothes, and drink cool water or sports beverages.
• What is Heat Stroke? Heat Stroke (Sunstroke) can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical help. The symptoms include not only those associated with heat exhaustion, but also very rapid pulse and breathing, delirium, unconsciousness, and lack of perspiration to cool the body.

Remember, to prevent a heat illness:

• Avoid direct sun from late morning until 4 pm
• Limit vigorous exercise or chores to early morning or late afternoon
• Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluid
• Eat light meals

Remember When Indoors (and not in your home) – Mask Advisory in Effect
Effective July 30^th, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a mask advisory in light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance.

Fully vaccinated individuals are advised to wear a mask or face covering when indoors, and not in your own home, if

1. you have a weakened immune system;
2. you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition; or,
3. someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is an unvaccinated adult.

For more information, please contact the Bedford Board of Health at 781-275-6507.

You may also visit the CDC website on extreme heat at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html.