July 19, 2022
With a prolonged period of very hot temperatures projected to be in the mid-to-high-90s, Mayor Brian A. DePena has declared a heat emergency in the City of Lawrence beginning Tuesday, July 19, through Friday, July 22. The Mayor is offering cooling centers for our residents to combat the heat.
COOLING CENTERS
The Center, 145 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA – (978) 620-3540), Tuesday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.,
- Lawrence Public Library, 51 Lawrence St, Lawrence, MA – (978) 620-3600- Tuesday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.,
“We are experiencing extremely hot temperatures. In addition to our two cooling centers, please consider our hydrants, spray parks, and state pools below.” Mayor DePena said: “But most importantly, stay hydrated.”
CITY HYDRANTS WITH COOL WATER SPEWING
- Campagnone Common Park in North Lawrence (Parque Las Ardillas)
- Philip J. O’Connell Park in South Lawrence
- Bourgoin Square Park (West Street)
- Storrow Park (High Street)
- Beacon Projects
- Hancock Projects
Hours from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Lawrence Spray Park
168 Newbury St
West Street Park
Hours from 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
STATE SWIMMING POOLS AVAILABLE
Lt. Colonel Edward J. Higgins Swimming Pool
180 Crawford St · (978) 687-0393
Opens this Friday from 11:15am – 6:45pm
Geisler Memorial Swimming Pool
50 High St · (978) 687-1024
Hours 11:15am – 6:45pm
What to do during extreme heat from mass.gov:
- Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.
- Drink plenty of water — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.
- Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.
- If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities.
- Check with your local authorities or CALL 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.
- On hot days, more people cool off around bodies of water. Playing in and around water can increase the risk of drowning. Learn how to keep yourself and your children safe in and around water with these Water Safety Tips.
- If there are power outages during warm weather, you may need to take additional precautions or go to a cooling center or emergency shelter to stay cool.
- Know the symptoms and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
- Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.
Be cool, be safe!