Stockbridge — Due to the significant heatwave expected this week, the town of Stockbridge has opened its Senior Center at Town Hall as a cooling center from Wednesday, June 18 to Friday, June 20 during the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to a news release provided by Town Administrator Michael Canales. Additionally, the Stockbridge Library will offer a reprieve for residents on June 18, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and June 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On June 18, the National Weather Service posted a heat advisory for Berkshire County from noon on June 18 through 8 p.m. on June 20, listing a “heat index”–what the temperature feels like to the human body–of 95 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips for keeping safe and cool during this time include staying hydrated; remaining indoors; limiting outdoor activities, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the hottest part of the day; and, wearing lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. The release also advised checking on others who are health-wise vulnerable, such young or elderly individuals, and being cognizant of the symptoms of heat stroke or heat-related illnesses including heavy sweating, weakness, confusion or fainting.
Never leave children or pets in vehicles as the temperature inside a parked car or truck as the interior of those vehicles can heat up quickly, the release states.
On June 17, the town of West Stockbridge employed cooling stations, effective today through June 21, at the Town Hall Community Room and the West Stockbridge Public Library.
