Heat Information
Mayor Thomas M. Menino reminds residents to prepare for the hot and humid weather by taking precautions to stay healthy.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and injuries, but everyone should remember to limit their activities during very hot weather, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol. Additional measures to beat the heat include avoiding cooking, taking cool showers or baths, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing.
Safety
Boston EMS and Boston Public Health Commission have tips and information on how to deal with the extreme hot weather.
Hot Weather Safety Tips
BPHC Heat Emergency Fact Sheet
Elderly
The Boston Commission on Affairs of the Elderly reminds residents to check on their elderly neighbors. The elderly are advised to call the Elderly Commission at 617-635-4366 or the Mayor's 24 Hour hotline after hours at 617-635-4500 if they experience problems. Boston seniors can also take advantage of the Senior Shuttle service for transportation to cooling centers during declared heat emergencies. Additional information is available by calling the Elderly Commission at 617-635-4366.
Homeless
Extremely hot weather poses additional hardships for homeless people who may be elderly, disabled, suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or who take medications that cause sensitivity to the hot sun. The City of Boston and its community partners encourage you to look out for homeless people who may be in distress.
Guide to Helping the Homeless in Extremely Hot Weather
Utilities
If any areas are without power, residents should call NSTAR at 1-800-592-2000 or call the Mayor's 24 Hour Constituent Service at 617-635-4500 with concerns or questions and report outages.
Cooling Centers and Pools
Many BCYF Community Centers and Pools are available, based on required needs, as Cooling Centers and/or Pool Sites when Mayor Menino declares a Heat Emergency. Please call the Mayor's 24 Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 for the cooling center closest to you.
BCYF Pools & Cooling Centers
State Pools
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation owns and operates many pools in and around Boston.
Mass DCR
Frog Pond Spray Pool
The Boston Common Frog Pond will be open daily through Labor Day.
Read More
Residents are reminded that fire hydrants should not be tampered with or opened; doing so may hinder fire extinguishing capabilities.
For more information anytime, residents can call the Mayor's Office at 617-635-4500.