Mayor issues safety precautions for heat

PROVIDENCE – The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until 9 p.m. for Rhode Island and nearby areas.

The weather service forecasts a high near 94 and heat index values as high as 101.

Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and the Providence Emergency Management Agency recommend that residents:

  • Do not leave children or pets in cars unattended, because the temperatures in closed cars will far exceed the outdoor temperature.
  • Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear a hat.
  • Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
  • Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
  • Stay indoors when possible.
  • Check on your neighbors who are most at risk; especially the elderly and small children.
  • Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.
  • In an emergency situation, residents should always call 911.

Residents also can cool off at community centers and libraries. Pools that are open in Providence, Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., include:

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  • Davey Lopes (corner of Dudley Street and Prairie Avenue)
  • West End (Dexter Street)
  • Zuccolo (Gessler Street)
  • Selim-Rogers (Camden Avenue, next to Kizarian Elementary School)
  • Neutaconkanut (Plainfield Street)
  • Joslin (Hyatt Street, near Manton Avenue): pool is closed this year; a giant inflatable water slide and sprinklers are being operated in the park.

Water parks open in Providence, Monday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. are:

  • Neutaconkanut Park (Plainfield Street)
  • Wallace Street Park (off Union Avenue)
  • Cabral Park (Wickenden Street)
  • Pleasant Street Park (off North Main Street)
  • General Street Park (off Admiral Street)
  • George West Park (corner of Chalkstone and Mount Pleasant)
  • Fargnoli Park (Smith Street near Academy Avenue)
  • Sackett Street Park (near Sackett Elementary School)
  • Richardson Street Park (Prairie Avenue)
  • Harriet and Sayles Park (Sayles Street off Prairie Avenue)

AAA Southern New England also noted the high temperatures can take their toll on cars.

“While many drivers think about the importance of readying their vehicle for cold weather in winter, it’s important to not forget about the need also to prepare for hot summer months,” said Lloyd P. Albert, AAA Southern New England senior vice president of public and government affairs.

AAA recommends preventative maintenance, including checking your car battery, engine fluids and tire pressure.

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