The Summer Heat is Here!

The thermometer on the background of the sun. 3d rendering.

As you are all aware summer is in full force the next few days. This is a reminder that if you need anything please page the Region 3 Duty Officer at 978-946-8130.

I have attached a copy of the Weather Related Waiver for Transport to Emergency Shelters and Cooling Centers that was recently issued by the Office of Emergency Medical Services ( Heat Emergency Waiver Final ). Also below is  a copy of MEMA’s Situational Awareness Statement.

Please reach out with any questions

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT

DATE: July 18, 2019
TIME: 12:00 noon
SUBJECT: Excessive Heat and Humidity Friday through Sunday

Situation

  • The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting excessive heat Friday through Sunday. Hot temperatures combined with high humidity levels are expected to create dangerous heat conditions, with the most oppressive conditions expected Saturday.
  • High temperatures Friday-Sunday are forecast to be in the 90s to lower 100s, and dew points in the low to mid 70s. Heat index values are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s Friday, 100 to 110 Saturday, and 97 to 105 Sunday, with the highest values occurring on Saturday in eastern Massachusetts and parts of the Connecticut River valley. Graphics provided below.
  • The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for most of Massachusetts for Saturday from 11:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Graphics provided below. NWS may issue additional heat-related watches, warnings, or advisories for Friday and/or Sunday.

Impacts

  • Prolonged exposure to heat and humidity will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Cooling Centers

  • Cities and towns planning to open cooling centers are asked to share this information with their MEMA Regional office or MEMA’s 24/7 communications center at 508-820-2000, or post the information directly into WebEOC.  Mass211 will utilize information posted on WebEOC to share with the public.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Emergency Waiver

  • The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services has issued a waiver allowing EMS providers to transport to local shelters/cooling centers as needed. This waiver is attached to this email, and is in effect from Friday, July 19 at 8:00 a.m. through Monday, July 22 at 8:00 a.m.

Excessive Heat Watch 
Expiring: July 20 at 9:00PM EDT

Areas affected: Central Middlesex County; Eastern Essex; Eastern Franklin; Eastern Hampden; Eastern Hampshire; Eastern Norfolk; Eastern Plymouth; Northern Bristol; Northern Worcester; Northwest Middlesex County; Southeast Middlesex; Southern Bristol; Southern Plymouth; Southern Worcester; Suffolk; Western Essex; Western Franklin; Western Hampden; Western Hampshire; Western Norfolk; Western Plymouth

Graphics:

Excessive Heat Watch

Maximum Heat Indices – Friday

Maximum Heat Indices – Saturday

Maximum Heat Indices – Sunday

MEMA Operations

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is operating at Level 1 (Steady State Monitoring).  MEMA will continue to monitor the forecast and will disseminate additional Situational Awareness Statements as necessary.

Preparedness and Safety Information

  • Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.
  • Check with your local authorities or call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.
  • Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
  • 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.
  • For more heat safety tips, visit:

Online Resources:
For additional information and resources, visit:

 

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