Blazing June Heat:
How to Stay Safe and Beat the Heat in Rhode Island
Today, Providence has soared to 100°F—the first century mark ever recorded in June since 1904 (weather.com.) As heat domes sweep over the Northeast and power grids strain, how can Rhode Islanders stay cool, healthy, and safe? Here are expert-backed tips and local resources.
1. Know the Dangers & Watch for Warning Signs
Extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, cramps, confusion, or more dangerously, hot dry skin and fainting.
Take action immediately if these symptoms appear:
- Heat exhaustion: Move to cool shade, sip water or sports drinks, loosen clothes.
- Heat stroke: Call 911, move indoors, cool the body with wet cloths or showers until help arrives .
2. Hydration & Nutrition Are Key
- Drink plenty of water—before you feel thirsty—and supplement with electrolytes if you’re sweating a lot.
- Avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol and caffeine .
3. Beat the Heat Indoors
If you have air conditioning:
- Run it, especially during peak heat hours.
- Draw curtains or shades during the day to block heat.
If no AC:
- Use window fans to create cross-breezes when outside temps dip below 95°F.
- Avoid using stoves or ovens when it’s hottest.
- Take cool showers or baths frequently.
- Stay on the coolest level of your home—usually the basement or lowest floor .
4. Find Your Cooling Spots
- Check local cooling centers—Providence libraries and community centers are open..
- Use public buildings like malls or movie theaters.
- Rhode Island Emergency Management lists cooling centers; dial 211 or visit RIEMA’s site..
5. Smart Strategies to Cool Off
- Stay out of direct sun—enjoy outdoor activity in early morning or evening hours.
- Wear lightweight, light-color clothing, sunscreen (SPF ≥30), and broad-brimmed hats .
- Take frequent rest breaks; slow your pace .
- Cool down with today’s beloved local spots: splash pads (like at local parks), beaches, or the Providence River.
6. Protect Vulnerable Residents
- Check in on seniors, infants, those with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, pets, and anyone without AC.
- Never leave pets, children, or elders in parked cars—it can become life-threatening in minutes.
- For people who are unhoused, support water drives—local shelters and nonprofits need donations.
7. Preparedness Tips
- Red Cross tip: Don’t rely on fans alone when temps exceed the high 90s—prioritize AC, cooling centers, or cold water immersion.
- Build a heat emergency go-kit: bottled water, sunscreen, hats, chargers, medications.
- Coordinate with family or neighbors—a buddy system can save lives .
8. When Outside or at Work
- Drink water continuously—CDC suggests ~1 cup every 15–20 minutes during activity.
- Team up with colleagues; rotate measurable rest breaks.
- Use misters, shaded tents, and wear breathable, UV-protective clothing .
In Summary
- Stay hydrated & cool—water, shade, showers.
- Watch for warning signs—don’t wait for a medical emergency.
- Use every resource—home remedies, cooling centers, public AC.
- Be neighborly—check on others, donate water, keep everyone safe.
Local Resources for Extreme Heat in Rhode Island
Cooling Centers & Emergency Info
- RI Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA): https://riema.ri.gov
- Call 2-1-1: https://www.uwri.org/2-1-1
- Providence Cooling Centers List (Federal Hill House, Emmanuel House, Libraries): https://www.providenceri.gov/emergency-management/cooling-centers
- Southcoast Health Heat Safety Info: https://www.southcoast.org/extreme-heat-safety-tips
- Rhode Island Department of Health: https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/extremeheat
General Heat Safety Guidelines
- Red Cross Extreme Heat Safety: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/heat-wave-safety.html
- CDC Heat & Health Tips: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
- The Public’s Radio – Local Emergency Resources: https://thepublicsradio.org
- Weather.com Heat Index & Alerts: https://weather.com/safety/heat
State & Regional Health Resources
- RI Department of Health Heat Portal: https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/extremeheat
- RI.gov Emergency Info: https://www.ri.gov
Call to Action!!!
Share this post! Encourage friends, loved ones, and clients to put safety first. Living or working in Rhode Island means facing summer’s spike—but armed with knowledge and community care, we can all keep cool and thrive, even when Providence turns up the heat.
Stay safe, stay cool—and let’s weather this together.