For those needing a place to cool off, the following places will be offering places to stay safe during this heat wave:
- The Newton Senior Center at 345 Walnut Street in Newtonville, will be open for anyone of any age who needs a place to be in air conditioning through Friday, Aug. 13 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 617-796-1660 and select Option 9. (Additional weekend hours may be added depending on the need.)
- Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street in Newton Centre is open the following hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- The Shops at Chestnut Hill, Monday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. –8:00 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m.
Any Newton resident who needs assistance with a cooling plan should call one of the City of Newton social service professionals at 617-796-1420, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Don’t overdo things. Air quality is expected to be bad. Watch out for heat exhaustion, which can develop suddenly or over time for people of all ages. Signs include heavy sweating, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, and fainting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, move to a cool place, drink some water, and loosen your clothes. If possible, take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. Seek medical attention immediately if your symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.
