Town buildings open as cooling centers during extreme heat

As tropical heat bears down on the region,  Abington is keeping town owned properties open to assist those without working air conditioners.

The Abington Senior Center and community meeting room at the Police Station is open to the public as cooling stations the rest of the week.

The Senior Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Friday from 9 a.m. until Noon.  The police station room will be open overnight from 2 p.m. until 9 a.m.

Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach the mid-90s with oppressive humidity making it feel over 100 degrees.  Wednesday’s temperatures should again break 90 before the air starts to cool back toward normal summertime highs later this week, meteorologists say.

A townwide email from the Town of Abington said there are other pre-planned events taking place at the Senior Center

“We ask that you please be respectful of these events and follow senior staff directions for cooling center location inside building,” the email said.

Day passes are also available for the Island Grove Pool.  Cost is $5 per swimmer for residents, $8 for non- residents, and free for seniors 62 and older.  Passes can be purchased at the pool guard shack.

The email contained a number of tips to beat the heat:

* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* If outdoors, rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover.
* If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Avoid using your stove and oven.
* Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, and theaters.
* 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.