Extreme Heat Events.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- BD-27-1025-DOCFS-FISCM-131451
- Issued by
- Massachusetts
About this file
This is a public health informational document issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health, Environmental Toxicology Program. The document provides guidance on extreme heat events and measures to prevent heat-related illnesses affecting Massachusetts residents. The material outlines preventive actions including staying indoors, maintaining hydration, wearing appropriate clothing, utilizing cooling centers accessible through 2-1-1, registering for weather alerts, consulting healthcare providers regarding medication management during extreme heat, arranging wellness check-ins for vulnerable populations, and planning for potential power outages. The document identifies vulnerable populations at elevated risk during extreme heat events, including children under five, seniors over 65, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers, people of color experiencing systemic disparities, non-English speakers, individuals without air conditioning, people living alone, and those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and mental illness.
The document serves as educational material designed to increase awareness and preparedness for extreme heat events in Massachusetts, where the number of summer days exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit is increasing. No specific pricing terms, contract awards, bidding requirements, funding amounts, or contractual terms are outlined in this document, as it functions as a public health advisory rather than a formal procurement or contract solicitation. The guidance references additional resources available at mass.gov/ClimateAndHealth and directs residents to utilize the 2-1-1 helpline for locating nearby cooling centers and emergency support services.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Prevent-and-treat-heat-related-illness.pdf |
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What can we do about it?
• Stay indoors and out of the sun
• Keep hydrated: Drink more fluids (water or electrolyte replacement drinks) than you usually would even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine, and sugar
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing when outdoors
• Cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun with shades, curtains, or a blanket
• Call 2-1-1 to find cooling centers near you. They might include a local library or community center, or other government building
• Sign up for weather alerts and create a heat emergency plan like this one
• Ask your doctor how to manage your medications when it is very hot
• Arrange for wellness check-ins, like having a friend, neighbor, or relative call or visit a few times a day
• Plan for power outages if you need electricity for medical equipment or medications
The number of summer days over 90°F are increasing in Massachusetts. This causes more heat-related illness and can impact chronic health conditions such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and kidney disease.
Heat and humidity can make our bodies feel hotter and sweat more. This can lead to dehydration, muscle cramps, and fatigue. Other health risks include heat exhaustion and heat stroke with symptoms ranging from discomfort and lack of energy to dizziness and fainting.
• Children under 5 and people over 65
• Pregnant people
• People working or exercising outdoors
• People of color due to systemic racism
• People who speak little or no English, and who may not receive emergency messages in their native language
Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health Environmental Toxicology Program Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• People who live alone
• People without air conditioning
• People with medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and mental illness
• People with disabilities
Who is at higher risk?
Some people may be more at risk during an extreme heat event because of where they live, their access to official government information, availability of resources to prepare and respond, and whether they already have health problems. These include:
Extreme Heat Events
Learn more at mass.gov/ClimateAndHealth https://www.mass.gov/info-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan http://mass.gov/ClimateAndHealth
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .