Community Corner

Beat the Heat this Summer in Mansfield

Some conventional and some not so conventional methods of staying cool in Mansfield.

With the Summer Solstice already over and temperatures still rising in Mansfield, staying cool this week becomes very important. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory and hazardous weather outlook for the area due to the anticipated heat. 

The NWS forecasts the weather to be “Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. West wind around 8 mph.“

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Going to the pool at the local YMCA or the Easton and Norton Public pools would be a good start.

Heat exhaustion is a very serious problem in weather like this, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control. According to the CDC, 3,442 people died from heat related illnesses from 1999 to 2003 alone. 

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The organization’s Web site states that people most prone to heat exhaustion are “Those that are elderly, have high blood pressure and those working in a hot environment.”

If you are working outside today, be sure to drink plenty of liquids, as they help the body to get rid of excess heat.

If you’re not working but do not have air conditioning, jumping from air conditioned business to air conditioned business would help, but be aware of places that have large windows facing West or nearby ovens that would cancel out any cool air you might find.

There are also other ways to have do-it-yourself air conditioning, according to WikiHow.com.

If you take a large metal bowl, fill it with ice and place a fan over it so that the air is rushing over and past the ice, it will help cool a small area or room in your house. You can also take two two liter bottle of frozen water with the caps off and place a fan in between the bottles and a bowl (to catch the melting water) so that as the water melt, its cold with flow with the air.

Remember also that your water heating system runs throughout the building. Taking a hot shower, washing dishes, cooking or washing laundry with a hot water cycle can increase the overall temperature of your house significantly.

Also, never underestimate the power of a nice cold glass of lemonade from the local Mansfield kids.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) suggests the following tips for dealing with hot, humid weather:

  • Slow down, avoid strenuous activity.  Do not try to do too much on a hot day.
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Attempt to stay hydrated.
  • Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.  They can actually dehydrate your body.
  • Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.  Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
  • Stay indoors 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 perspiration, which cools your body.
  • Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned libraries, theaters and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day. 
  • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers.  Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.
  • Avoid too much sunshine.  Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself.  If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors.

 


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