Health Heat Wave Update from the City of Boston

Look at all the parks with water spray features in and around Boston. Image made with Google Maps.

Mayor Tom Menino sent out a press release Friday updating residents on how the city is responding and dealing with this crazy heat wave that is still going strong. The mayor’s 24-hour hotline has fielded 627 calls Friday alone from people looking for information about cooling centers. We told you where to find luxury pools, public pools, how to stay safe while working out, and special heat wave deals. Here’s how the city has taken action:

The Elderly Commission conducted an auto-calls Friday to all Boston seniors urging them to take precautions while advertising available services; Boston Centers for Youth and Families opened all of its Cooling Centers. As of noontime, the pools and cooling centers received 3,915 visits on Friday; Boston Parks and Recreation opened more than 50 water spray attractions; an Emergency Hot Weather Protocol is in effect for homeless service providers in the city; and all adult emergency shelters are open 24 hours/day to offer a cool place to rest or stay.

Mayor Menino and the Boston Public Health Commission continue to urge residents to stay hydrated and in shaded or air conditioned areas whenever possible. “As the heat wave peaks, it’s especially important for children and the elderly to stay cool,” Mayor Menino says in the release. “We have many resources throughout the city to ensure residents are safe and healthy. I encourage everyone to take advantage of our various cooling centers, pools and parks as temperatures continue to climb.”