Over the past couple of days, real media sources have warned of the heatwave that arrives this morning and will be scorching us for the next three days. Please be careful, folks, I have seen heatstroke in action while living in Florida and it is very scary and very dangerous.

The Town government has advised that the following cooling stations are open. All of these locations require a mask:

• Town Hall – 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. (8 – 1:30 on Fri)
• Weston Public Library – 10:00 to 9:00 p.m. (10 – 6 on Fri)
• Community Center (COA/Recreation) – 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Police Station Training Room – open 24 hours. If you’re lucky, Knox will make an appearance.

Memorial Pool is open during the usual hours and will be at the usual level of frosty. Valley Pond is also open (to members and guests), Morses Pond in Wellesley is questionable (the sWellesley Report reported it closed due to bacteria on August 6). Jump in your neighbor’s pool–they’re probably on an island this week.

If you do not have air conditioning in your home, please find a friend who has it and hang out there for hours. Further advice from the Massachusetts emergency management agency:

• Safety and preparedness tips for extreme heat: www.mass.gov/mema/heat
  • 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 officials to find locations of cooling centers near you.
  • Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. 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.
• Power outage preparedness and safety information:
  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/power-outage-safety-tips
• Preparedness and safety tips for thunderstorms and lightning:
  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/thunderstorm-and-lightning-safety-tips
• Flood safety tips:
  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/flood-safety-tips