In preparation for the extreme heat event expected to begin Tuesday June 30th and run through the July 4th holiday weekend, that will bring temperatures into the high-90’s and possibly even above 100 degrees Fahrenheit to some regions, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) is sharing resources including ways organizations and individuals can help protect older adults through extreme-heat-related actions.
Examples of extreme-heat-related actions include:
- standing up or directing consumers to cooling centers (call 2-2-1 to find cooling centers). Organizations involved in standing up cooling centers may find useful tips on Mass DPH’s Cooling Centers Guidance webpage,
- educating providers and consumers on how to recognize and treat the 3 types of heat related illness,
- providing information on what to do if there is a power outage,
- sharing tips on how to stay cool,
- making twice-daily checks on consumers for signs of heat-related illness, as recommended by the CDC, and distributing a caregiver checklist to those checking on older adults.
Additional information may be found at AGE’s website regarding extreme heat and older adults: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/preparing-for-extreme-heat, along with 3 downloadable flyers, now also available in Spanish which agencies are welcome to link to and/or or print and distribute (attached and linked below):
- Flyer 1: Heat Related Illness Symptoms / Caregiver Checklist.
- Flyer 2: Extreme Heat Preparation Checklist / Assistance For Air Conditioning Costs
- Flyer 3: Tips To Stay Cool on Hot Days
Organizations and individuals may wish to monitor local news or weather reports to learn when a hot day is coming to their region and plan ahead. Like all weather forecasts, the extreme heat forecast can shift and very by regions, so regular monitoring for changes can be helpful:
- TheNational Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk Tool provides extreme heat forecast information for the next seven days. The tool is a collaboration of the CDC and NOAA and synthesizes health, heat, socio-demographic, and natural/built environment data to forecast community heat risk.]