With today expected to be the hottest day of this week’s heatwave, check to see what you should do to stay safe and cool.
Sunday marks day six of a heat wave that started last week, and it's expected to be the hottest day of them all.
Along with added measures from Boston EMS, the city of Boston has extended their heat emergency through Monday. Throughout the city, cooling centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 12 Boston Centers for Youth & Family.
WATCH ANYTIME FOR FREE
 |
>Stream NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are. |
Along with the cooling centers, more than 50 splash pads at parks and playgrounds will also be open.
Many health experts are advising that if you're going to go outside today, do so in the morning or in the early evening.
Get updates on what's happening in Boston to your inbox. Sign up for our >News Headlines newsletter.
"It's about the amount of time that you're exposed to the heat, and then also what you're doing while you're in that heat, and also how hot it is outside," says Mark Maynard of Baylor Hospital.
Being outside in extreme heat for too long increases the risk of heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy Sweating
- Cold, Pale, Clammy Skin
- Dizziness and Headache
- Muscle Cramps
- Vomiting
- Fainting
Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) says they have already seen an increase in calls for heat related emergencies, and have added two extra ambulances in response. Boston EMS says hydrating is an easy and effective way to reduce your risk of developing heat exhaustion.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
Still, health experts say that the best way to fight the heat is to limit your time outside. But for many in the restaurant industry, being inside can't provide much relief either.
“In the kitchen it’s about 125 tonight even with ventilation and everything but there’s not much you can really do about it,” said Richard Ansara, owner of Tresca in Boston.
The heat hasn't deterred many from still enjoying the weekend outdoors though. At the last day of the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival, many have come to enjoy the attractions despite the heat.
"It’s pretty hot, so we decided we would come to the beach before it got too hot and luckily there’s a little bit of a breeze," said Tom Allen of Arlington, Massachusetts. "So we’re just going to try and go in the water and chill out the best we can.”
