Ways to Stay Cool in the Coming Extreme Heat

Source: amherstma.gov

Extreme heat and humidity are expected through Friday, July 3. The Town of Amherst offers a variety of ways to stay safe and cool during these forecasted conditions. Cooling centers are available during limited hours, the spray pad is operational, and the public pools are free to use Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3.

Cooling Centers & Water Stations
The following locations have been identified as cooling centers available to all in need of a safe and cool space. These are municipal buildings that are air-conditioned and will be open during their normal operating hours. Most cooling centers will also have free water stations available , including free water bottles and/or water fountains to fill cups and bottles.

• Bangs Community Center (70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002)
  • Tuesday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Friday – Closed in observance of Independence Day
  • Saturday & Sunday – Closed
• Jones Library Temporary Location (101 University Drive, Amherst, MA 01002)
  • Tuesday 9:00 am to 8:15 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am to 5:15 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am to 8:15 pm
  • Friday & Saturday – Closed in observance of Independence Day  
  • Sunday – Closed 
• Munson Memorial Library (1046 S East Street, Amherst, MA 01002)
  • Tuesday 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 2:00 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Thursday 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Friday & Saturday – Closed in observance of Independence Day   
  • Sunday – Closed  
• North Amherst Library (8 Montague Road, Amherst, MA 01002)
  • Tuesday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
  • Wednesday 3:30 to 7:30 pm
  • Thursday – Closed
  • Friday & Saturday – Closed in observance of Independence Day   
  • Sunday – Closed
• Amherst Town Hall (4 Boltwood Ave, Amherst, MA 01002)
  • Tuesday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm 
  • Wednesday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm 
  • Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm 
  • Friday – Closed in observance of Independence Day 
  • Saturday & Sunday – Closed
• Amherst Police Department (111 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002)
  • Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Individuals are welcome to cool off in the lobby. 
  • Space is limited.

Outdoor Facilities
Below are other areas around Amherst where the public can seek relief from the heat. The public pools will be open and free to use during the following times on Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3. Outside of these designated dates, the pools can be accessed with a paid pool membership or daily pass. View all Amherst outdoor pools information here.

• Mill River Pool (95 Montague Rd, Amherst, MA 01002)
  • Hours for Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3:
    • Lap Swim from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
    • Open Swim from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
    • Open Swim from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 
    • On Friday, July 3 the pool closes at 5:00 pm
  • View Mill River Pool Calendar for updated daily schedule.
    
• War Memorial Pool (Mattoon St, Amherst, MA 01002)
  • Wednesday, July 1:
    • Lap Swim from 7:00 am to 10:00 am  
    • Open Swim from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm  
    • Open Swim from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Thursday, July 2:
    • Lap Swim from 7:00 am to 10:00 am  
    • Open Swim from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm  
    • Open Swim from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Friday, July 3:
    • Lap Swim from 7:00 am to 10:00 am 
    • Open Swim from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm 
  • View War Memorial Pool Calendar for updated daily schedule.
    
• Groff Park Spray Pad (72 Mill Lane, Amherst, MA 01002) 
  • Free and open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (except for Tuesdays when the spray pad opens at 12:00 pm)
    
• Puffer’s Pond (171 State Street, Amherst, MA 01002)
  • Open sunrise to sunset.
  • No lifeguard on duty. 
  • Recent water quality test results show that both South Beach and North Beach meet state standards for safe swimming conditions.
  • New results will be posted by Wednesday afternoon on the website: amherstma.gov/puffers

Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
The Town of Amherst is hosting the annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks on Friday, July 3. The Town is planning accordingly for the heat to ensure attendees have a safe and enjoyable time. There will be a water misting tent, for anyone to walk through to cool down. Free water will be available at all Town of Amherst Info Tables. More information about this event can be found at amherstma.gov/fireworks

Additional Tips and Resources
Heat stress is a serious condition that poses a health threat to many people, particularly the elderly and young children. Heat stress places a strain on the body, and if the strain becomes too great, it can cause serious and permanent damage, even death. Preventive measures should be taken to avoid heat stress. 

Here are some tips to follow during hot, humid weather: 

• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity, and drink plenty of water regularly/often, even if you do not feel thirsty. 
• Stay cool indoors (in an air-conditioned place) as much as possible. 
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body. 
• Take a cool shower or bath to cool yourself off. 
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. 
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. 
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic rate. 
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. 
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors.
• Prevent and treat heat-related illnesses using this informational resource.

For more information, please contact the Public Health Department at 413-259-3077 or email publichealth@amherstma.gov