North Adams Offers Cooling Locations and Tips (Update)

The National Weather Service in Albany has extended the heat advisory for the Berkshires and Southern VT. It's now in effect from Noon Saturday until 8 P.M. Sunday.  The combo of forecast highs in the 90s and oppressive dewpoints and humidity levels causing heat indices near 100 is really nothing to mess with. So the City of North Adams has announced the following locations open to those seeking relief.

• North Adams Public Library, 74 Church Street; Friday, 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Saturday, 10 to 1.
• Mary Spitzer Senior Center, 116 Ashland Street; Friday, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
• The Noel Field splash park is open Friday-Sunday (and every day during the summer) from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M., and public parking fees will be waived at Windsor Lake from Friday, July 19, through Sunday, July 21.
• MASS MoCA welcomes all residents in the 01247 zip code to visit their air-conditioned museum galleries for free from 2– 6 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday. Please bring proof of residency.

In addition, Adams will keep its Senior Center open Friday through Sunday.

A few tips for your health and safety include:

Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. If you must go outside, try to do so either in the morning or in the evening. While outside, take frequent breaks and find air-conditioned places or shady areas where you can rest. This will give your body a chance to recover. At the first signs of heat illness, go to a cooler place and rest.

Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Make sure your pets have adequate drinking water and do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.

Finally, please 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.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency offers additional tips online.