The Blue Marble Librarians are grateful to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for contributing this interview highlighting their work to ensure that communities are safe during heatwaves and ways that your library can help keep your community cool during extreme heat.
Please tell us about how the Massachusetts Department of Public Health works to keep communities safe during heatwaves.
MDPH sends out HHAN alerts to licensed clinicians and local health departments and heat alerts to community partners when there is an unhealthy heat event. The community heat alert has resources for communities on heat related illness, ways to cool off, and how to stay safe during extreme heat. We are also offering a community webinar series this summer to bring communities together. It is an opportunity for us to hear from communities and share the new resources we have on extreme heat.
What is considered unhealthy heat in Massachusetts?
Unhealthy heat is 3 or more consecutive days of temperatures 85F or higher. Data show that this threshold is where there is a significant increase in heat-related illness Emergency Department visits. Groups sensitive to heat such as older adults and those with certain medical conditions may feel heat effects at lower temperatures. The unhealthy heat forecast can be monitored at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-unhealthy-heat-forecast.
How can libraries contribute to keeping vulnerable people like children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses safe during extreme heat?
If your library has air conditioning, you can consider hosting events for children and older adults during the warmer parts of the day. Libraries can also offer resources and education on extreme heat using the resources listed below.
Some of the most vulnerable people are people who are homebound. If your library has existing bookmobiles or words on wheels programs, think about the potential to add in a home check- in for safety on unhealthy heat days. Some tips for being a buddy can be found here.
What tools and resources are available from MA DPH for libraries in Massachusetts to keep our communities safe during extreme heat?
For tools and resources visit our extreme heat landing page https://www.mass.gov/extreme-heat where you can find:
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