FRANKLIN COUNTY, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — A major heatwave is expected in the region, with heat advisories up from Tuesday, June 18th to Friday evening on June 21st. Municipal leaders are announcing cooling centers that will be open to the public through the heatwave.

In Sunderland, the South County Senior Center at 22 Amherst Road will be open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In Bernardston the Senior Center will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

The Athol Senior Center will be open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., North Quabbin Community Coalition, the Athol Public Library will be ope Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday (if needed), 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., the Athol Area YMCA, the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce, Valuing Our Children, and the North Quabbin Recovery Center will also be open.

From the City of Greenfield:

Following an excessive heat watch issued by the National Weather Service, the City of Greenfield is opening its cooling center from Tuesday, June 18, until the end of the day on Friday, June 21.

There are several cooling centers located throughout Greenfield. The list includes: 

•    John Zon Community Center (35 Pleasant Street): Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
•    Greenfield Housing Authority Community Room (1 Elm Terrace): Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (availability for Wednesday, June 19 will be confirmed on Tuesday, June 18)
•    Oak Courts Common Room (Oak Courts, off of Elm Street): Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
•    Greenfield Public Library (412 Main Street): Monday-Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (On Wednesday, June 19, the library will be open as a cooling center from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Library services will be closed.) *Note* The library will have the Community Meeting Room, the Conference Room, and the Periodicals Lounge open as a cooling center on Wednesday, June 19.  The rest of the building will be closed off.*
•    Greenfield City Hall (14 Court Square): Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Please note that Greenfield City Hall and the John Zon Community Center will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Individuals can also find cooling centers in other communities by calling 211. Everyone is urged to take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries, including: 

•    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.
•    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.
•    Eat light, well-balanced meals.