Town Announces Temporary Cooling Center and Hot Weather Tips

Source: amherstma.gov

The Town of Amherst will be offering a variety of ways to stay safe and cool during the forecasted high temperatures on Monday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 17. A cooling center will be available, the town’s spray pad is operational, the wading pool is free, and the air-conditioned libraries will be open.  

The cooling center will be open in the Glass Room of Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, on the following days/times:

• Monday, July 15 from 8:00 a.m .to 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The cooling center will be staffed by CRESS (Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service).  The center will offer chilled water and will be open to all members of the public. Anyone in need of a cool place during the heatwave is encouraged to visit. However, if you are sick, please stay home and call your primary care physician to assist you with your medical needs. 

Below are other areas around town where the public can seek relief from the heat: 

Groff Park Spray Pad, 72 Mill Lane, Amherst, MA 01002

• Free and open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. [except for Tuesdays when the splash pad opens at 12:00 p.m.] 

Wading Pool at Mil River Recreation Area, 95 Montague Rd, Amherst, MA 01002

• Free and open daily from 9:00 a.m, to 12:00 p.m. 

Libraries

The public libraries are air conditioned and will be open during their normal operating hours:  

Jones Library, 43 Amity Street

• Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.  
• Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. 
• Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m .

Munson Memorial Library, 1046 S East Street

• Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 
• Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m .

North Amherst Library, 8 Montague Road

• Monday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. 
• Tuesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. 
• Wednesday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

Hot Weather Tips
Here are some tips to follow during hot, humid weather: 

• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity, and drink plenty of water regularly/often, even if you do not feel thirsty. 
• Stay cool indoors (in an air-conditioned place) as much as possible. 
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body. 
• Take a cool shower or bath to cool off. 
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. 
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. 
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic rate. 
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. 
• Check on family, friends and neighbors. 

Heat stress is a serious condition that poses a health threat to many people, particularly the elderly and young children. Heat stress places a strain on the body, and if the strain becomes too great, it can cause serious and permanent damage, even death. Preventive measures should be taken to avoid heat stress.  

For additional information on warning signs and symptoms of heat related illness visit: https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

For more information about the cooling centers, please contact the Public Health Department at 413-259-3077 or email publichealth@amherstma.gov