News Brief

News from St. Michael the Archangel Parish

St.  Michael the Archangel Parish in Winthrop announces Parish Family Day THAT will be held on Sunday, August 29 from 12 noon-3:00 pm

There will be games, contests, crafts, activities and BBQ with a $10/individual, $25/family fee.

Contact bowe@stjohnswinthrop.org to sign up.

St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Winthrop will hold a Faith Formation class for.Grades 1-10 (including Confirmation)

The deadline is August 15and registration is now open.

For more information, contact bowe@stjohnswinthrop.org or youthminister@stjohnswinthrop.org.

Excessive Heat Advisory Issued

With temperatures expected to soar in the next few days, residents are advised to use the following precautions.

• 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.

• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight, and help maintain normal body temperature.

• Drink plenty of water — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.

• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.

• If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities.

• 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.

Preparedness and Safety Information

Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report any emergencies.

During extreme heat, people are susceptible to three heat-related illnesses. Learn how to recognize and respond to them:

• Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms caused by heavy sweating.  

Symptoms: Muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen

• Treatment: Get the person to rest in a comfortable position in a cooler place. Give the person water or fluids with electrolytes help them rehydrate.

• Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people overexert themselves in a warm, humid place, and often affects those doing strenuous work in hot weather. Body fluids are lost through heavy sweating and blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to vital organs to decrease. This results in a form of mild shock. 

Symptoms:  Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, nausea, dizziness, headache, weakness, and/or exhaustion

Treatment: Get the person to rest in a comfortable position in a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give them half a glass of cool water or fluids with electrolytes every 15 minutes, making sure the person drinks slowly. Watch the person carefully for changes in his or her condition and call 9-1-1 if it doesn’t improve.

• Heat stroke is the most serious heat emergency and is life-threatening. Heat stroke develops when systems in the body begin to stop functioning due to extreme heat. Heat stroke may cause brain damage or death if the body is not cooled quickly. 

Symptoms: Extremely high body temperature, hot and red skin (dry or moist), loss of consciousness, changes in level of responsiveness rapid and weak pulse, rapid and shallow breathing, vomiting, confusion, and/or seizures

Treatment: A person suffering from heat stroke needs immediate assistance. Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place. Immerse the individual in a cool bath, wrap in cold wet sheets, or cover the person in bags of ice.

For more heat safety tips, visit:

• www.mass.gov/mema/heat

• https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

• https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat