Brookline's heat emergency runs through Wednesday, July 15, with temperatures expected above 95°F and a heat index that could reach 101°, according to the Brookline Public Health department.
The department declared the emergency for Tuesday, July 14 through Wednesday, July 15. Cooling centers across town are open only during declared emergencies, and residents who need relief from the heat have several options.
The Public Safety Building Community Room is open 24 hours a day. Other cooling centers on Wednesday, July 15:
- Brookline Village Library: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Putterham Library: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Coolidge Corner Library: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Brookline Council on Aging & Senior Center: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
The shallow pool and diving well at the Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center, 60 Tappan St., are free to residents during the emergency. Lap pools still require a paid pass. Call 617-713-5435 for hours.
Town splash pads are open dawn to dusk, though the Juniper Street Splash Pad is out of service.
Town Administrator Chas Carey's July newsletter, published Wednesday, July 15, includes a dedicated extreme heat safety section produced by Brookline Public Health & Human Services. The town's nine "Rules to Stay Cool" emphasize drinking water before feeling thirsty, avoiding outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing light-colored and loose clothing, and limiting stove and oven use.
The guidance also urges residents to check on neighbors living alone and to never leave pets in parked cars.
"Please sign up for Alert Brookline to get emergency alerts and more so you can be well prepared for everything summer can throw at us," Carey wrote in the newsletter.
Anyone experiencing high body temperature, confusion, fainting, or unconsciousness should call 911 immediately.
The Brookline Summer Eats Program relocated to the Denny Room at the Brookline Public Health Building, 11 Pierce St., on July 14 and 15, serving meals from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Residents who cannot afford to run their air conditioner may qualify for discounts through Eversource, according to the town's heat emergency notice.
No extension of the emergency beyond Wednesday, July 15 has been announced. Residents can monitor BrooklineMA.gov/Heat for updates and sign up for Alert Brookline to receive emergency notifications by text, call, or email.
