#coolingcenters — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #coolingcenters, aggregated by home.social.
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Lists of cooling centers in #Massachusetts are easy to find using a DuckDuckGo search.
Why 1st ‘extreme’ Mass. #HeatWave of 2026 may be extra dangerous — and for who
By Irene Rotondo
Jun. 29, 2026, 4:05 p.m."A new heat wave alert for Massachusetts landed Monday, with officials warning of 'dangerously hot conditions' and a #HeatIndex up to 111 degrees.
"An 'extreme heat watch' is in effect for nearly the entire state from Wednesday morning through Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service. This will vastly increase chances both for heat-related illnesses as well as troublesome weather like thunderstorms, forecasters warn.
"Temperatures could reach up to 99 degrees in Boston on Wednesday during the day, with Worcester’s high at 97 and Springfield at a whopping 100. At night, they will drop just to the mid-70s, then creep back up to a high of 102 degrees on Thursday in Boston and Worcester and 104 in Springfield.
"Friday is expected to again hit 102 degrees in Boston, with nighttime temperatures at 79. On Saturday — the 4th of July holiday — temperatures will be 97 degrees in Boston and Springfield and 95 in Worcester. Forecasters warn there could be chances for thunderstorms across the state in the evening.
Being prepared
"Though temperatures climbed above 90 degrees in Massachusetts on multiple days in May and June, the impending heat wave will be the most hot and humid weather the state has had had since last year.
"The first heat wave of the season is often the worst for people’s health, according to data collected by state officials on heat-related illnesses and hospital visits, as residents’ bodies adjust to the temperature change.
"Additionally, emergency room visits and heat-related illnesses rise when temperatures hit 85 degrees or higher for at least three consecutive days — the threshold the state uses for unhealthy heat alerts.
"Boston officials urge residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioning, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and check on neighbors. Children and pets cannot be left in vehicles at any time.
"City residents can call 311 or visit the city’s heat website to find one of the 16 cooling centers at the Boston Centers for Youth & Families — locations turned into cooling centers for heat emergencies — public pools and libraries for relief.
A first test for Boston
"A spokesperson for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office said on Monday that the city was still 'working through a determination' on its other cooling center locations and hours for the upcoming heatwave.
"The heat wave will also be the first major test of Boston’s new worker heat-protection ordinance, which took effect this year and is believed to be among the first local laws of its kind in the country.
"Under the law, city departments and qualifying contractors performing city work are required to maintain heat illness prevention plans designed to reduce heat-related injuries and deaths — especially those caused by fatigue, dizziness and dehydration.
"Under the ordinance, employers must provide protections including water, shade and rest breaks beginning at 80 degrees, with additional 'high heat' measures required once temperatures reach 90 degrees. Covered employers must also establish emergency response procedures, train workers on heat illness risks and designate a heat safety coordinator.
"The ordinance was passed by the Boston City Council and signed by Mayor #MichelleWu last year as experts projected more frequent and intense heat waves in coming decades. Boston officials previously estimated the number of days above 90 degrees, annually, could increase from a historic average of about 10 to as many as 46 by the 2070s.
Who is most at-risk?"Those over the age of 65, children and infants are more at risk for severe illness, with children facing unique dangers during the prolonged heat events. Due to children’s smaller body size and reduced ability to sweat, they will heat up more quickly than adults and rely on adults to ensure their safety.
"Consistent periods of time where daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees and nighttime temperatures remain above 78 degrees are considered 'extreme heat' for young children, the impacts of which can be long-lasting.
"People with chronic medical conditions, #disabilities, limited mobility, who are pregnant, experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers and residents without access to air conditioning are also at high risk. People in Black, brown and other communities of color may also face disproportionate impacts because of longstanding inequities in the environment and infrastructure, according to the state.
"Outdoor workers are among the groups considered especially vulnerable during extreme heat events. State health data showed 707 emergency room visits and 87 hospitalizations related to heat stress in Massachusetts in 2022, the most recent year available."
#Heatwave #MassachusettsWx
#ClimateDiaryMassachusetts
#ClimateChange #HeatRelatedIllness
#StayCool #Homelessness #BostonMA #UrbanHeat #WorkersRights #CoolingCenters -
#Maine #CoolingCenters: Find a spot near you
As temperatures rise, communities across Maine open cooling centers to keep residents safe from the elements.
Author: NEWS CENTER Maine Staff
Published: 12:49 PM EDT June 22, 2025
Updated: 3:22 PM EDT June 23, 2025AUGUSTA, Maine — "Summer has arrived in Maine, bringing rising temperatures and longer days. But when the heat becomes dangerous or oppressive, community cooling centers help support those who need an escape from the heat and humidity.
"The centers are often located in public spaces, such as recreation centers or libraries. They typically open for short-term purposes.
"While the primary purpose is to save lives by getting people out of potentially dangerous heat conditions, cooling centers may also provide charging stations, showers, or food.
"The latest listings for cooling centers are on the Maine Emergency Management Agency's [#MEMA] website. We've included a roundup here as well as additional resources to help you stay safe this summer when temperatures rise.
Androscoggin County
Community Resource Center
121 Mill St.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or later) Tuesday, June 24
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 25Auburn
Auburn Senior Community Center
48 Pettengill Park Road
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24Auburn
Hasty Gymnasium at Auburn Recreation
48 Pettengill Park Road
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, JuneAuburn
Auburn Public Library
49 Spring St.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, June 24-25Durham Eureka Community Center
606 Hallowell Road
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24Lisbon Police Department
300 Lisbon St.
Open as needed 24/7A.B. Ricker Memorial Library
1211 Maine St.
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, June 25-26
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27Turner Fire & Rescue
19 General Turner Hill Road
Available as neededAroostook County
Caribou Wellness Center
55 Bennett Drive
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.Cumberland County
Bridgton Community Center
15 Depot St.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25Baxter Library
71 South St.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 23
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24#PortlandPublicLibrary
5 Monument Square
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24#ScarboroughPublicLibrary
48 Gorham Road
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. SaturdayKennebec County
Augusta Civic Center, Cumberland Room
76 Community Drive
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24Waterville City Hall Annex
46 Front St.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24Knox County
#RocklandPublicLibrary
Rockland City Hall
Flanagan Community Center
Open during "normal business hours"Public Library (former Gilford Butler School)
54 Spruce Head Road
Noon to 4 p.m. Monday, June 23
Noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, June 24-25Union Town Office
567 Common Road
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25Lincoln County
Boothbay Harbor Town Office
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
8:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 25Central Lincoln County YMCA
575 Maine St.
5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 23-27Newcastle Fire Station Community Room
86 River Road
Closes at 7 p.m. Monday, June 23Oxford County
Town of Canton Meeting Room
94 Turner Street
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
8 a.m. to noon Tuesday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday
8 a.m. to noon FridayPiscataquis County
Dover-Foxcroft Town Office, Community Room
48 Norton Avenue
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25
Sagadahoc CountyTopsham Municipal Building, Russel Room
100 Main St.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
York CountyParsonsfield Town Office
634 North Road
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, June 24-25Berwick Fire Department
3 Public Safety Way
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25#McArthurLibrary
270 Main St.
9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25Buxton Town Office
185 Portland Road
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25Kennebunk Free Library
112 Main St.
9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24Church on the Cape
3 Langsford Road
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24Kennebunkport
Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library
18 Maine St.
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24North Lebanon Second Baptist Church
259 Bakers Grant Road
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24Limington Municipal Complex
425 Sokokis Ave.
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24D.A. Hurd Library
51 High St.
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 23
1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 25Saco Community Center
75 Franklin St.
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25Waterboro Town Hall
24 Townhouse Road
Noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24Waterboro
#WaterboroPublicLibrary
187 Main St.
Noon to 8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24York Public Library
15 Long Sands Road
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25"State and local resources are available for people who are experiencing homelessness or are in need of housing or heating support. Link below for more information.
"For direct assistance to find resources available near you, dial 211 or call 1-877-463-6207; text your ZIP code to 898-211; or email [email protected].
What are the risks?"According to the Maine Emergency Management Agency, heat-related illnesses in the state more often occur when temperatures reach the mid-80s or higher.
“Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person's body temperature rises faster "
MEMA list of Cooling Centers:
https://www.maine.gov/mema/response-recovery/mass-careEmergency shelters for the #Unhoused:
https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homeless/emergency-shelters#MEWx #ExtremeHeat #MaineWx #ClimateChange #GlobalHeating #Heatwave #Heatwaves #StayingCool #MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiary
#Heatwave #Heatwaves #Maine #CoolingCenters #StayCool #CommunityResources