Heat index prompts Cambridge public health advisories – Wicked Local

Over the past couple of days, Cambridge has issued a handful of public health advisories as the heat index hit over 100 degrees.
The city reminds residents to stay hydrated and reduce their time outdoors during this period of life-threatening heat, the city wrote. “Limit outdoor activities to mornings and evenings when it is cooler. Be sure to decrease your overall level of physical exertion.”
And the city added, “Be a good neighbor. Be sure to check on 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.”
The Cambridge Animal Commission warned the public to never leave cats or dogs in a parked car,  doing so is the “most common cause of potentially deadly heat stroke.”
“Imagine how hot the interior of a car can be on a 100-degree day,” the commission writes. “An animal will overheat in a hot car even if the windows are cracked open.” 
They added, “On an 80-degree day, the inside of your car can reach 100 degrees in just 10 minutes.”
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The city reminds people of the following:
The city encourages folks to make changes to their routine. Shade provides minimal protection because it changes as the sun moves.
“Leave your dog at home when you know you are going to have to leave the dog in the car for any amount of time,” writes the commission. “A five-minute visit to the store can easily take longer than expected, and in 10 minutes, the heat in your car can increase by 20 degrees from the outside temperature.” 
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The city added, “Please leave your pets home in warm weather.  They will be happy to see you when you return.”
Meanwhile, Cambridge public trees drink a lot of water during extreme heat.
“With forecasted temps above 90 for the next several days, Cambridge street trees need your help getting enough water,” the Department of Public Works told community members. “Street trees need about 20 gallons of water per week. If you are able to help provide them with some of that, our urban forest would be grateful.”
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A rundown of tree-watering tips from the city:

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