Message form Commissioner McCosh: Heat safety this summer

A weekly message from Commissioner McCosh in support of the local disability community.

Dear Disability Community Members,

My goodness is it hot out! Last week the Mayor announced a heat emergency in the City of Boston and with temperatures close to 100, it certainly feels like one. Thanks to the Office of Public Health Preparedness within the Boston Public Health Commission, we offer the following necessary precautions to stay cool and protect yourself in hot weather.

With COVID still a health and safety concern, virtually check-in on at-risk family, friends, and neighbors! Encourage them to use air conditioning, even if only for a few hours and if they do not have one, maybe offer to help find a non-sick family member or neighbor with A/C to visit. Remember to always be sure to wear a face mask, stay 6 ft apart, and wash your hands frequently. You can also encourage frequent cool showers to help cool off!

While it’s tempting to be outside in the Summer, we ask that during these really hot days that everyone limit outdoor activity. This is especially important during the hottest periods of the day. If you need to go outside please take frequent breaks from your activity, drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level, and avoid alcoholic, sugary, and caffeinated beverages. Even if it is cloudy, always use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher

If you find that it is cooler outside than in your home please remember to wear a face covering and maintain 6 feet from others. Stay in shaded or covered areas and visit the City of Boston Urban Wild, Tot Sprays, Outdoor Pools, and Cooling Centers if open.

As always, if you are feeling unwell, seek medical care. Watch out for signs and symptoms of heat illness and if feeling sick or experiencing a heat-related illness, do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US and can exacerbate underlying illnesses. Please call your provider, or in an emergency, call 911.

If you are interested in more information or are curious about what the City is doing to help keep its resident cool while we experience heat emergencies during COVID-19, please go to Boston.gov/heat for more information.

As always, please feel free to reach out to us if you need non-heat-related assistance. You can dial 311 to reach City Hall, or call us at 617-635-3682. Our email is disability@boston.gov and the latest updates are available at Boston.gov.

Until next week, please stay informed, stay cool, and stay healthy.

Sincerely,