07/16/2025
Mayor Wu has declared a heat emergency in Boston through Friday. All residents should take care to stay cool and hydrated, and avoid long periods of heat exposure. Visit boston.gov/heat to find a cooling center or pool near you, and explore more resources to stay safe in the heat.
The Mayor has issued the following heat safety tips:
• Monitor children and pets at all times
• Stay hydrated
• Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans.
• If you can’t avoid being outside, it’s critical to take breaks in the shade, drink water constantly — even if you’re not thirsty — and watch for warning signs like dizziness, nausea, or confusion.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing including long sleeve shirts and hats.
• If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above.
• Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications.
• If you are heading to a beach, lake, or pool to beat the heat, swim where lifeguards are present.
• Please call or check on neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities.
• Please keep pets indoors, hydrated, and cool as asphalt and ground conditions are significantly hotter and unsafe during heat.
