Connecting community organizations with heat safety resources, shareable materials, and guidance to help prepare for and stay safe during periods of unhealthy heat.
- This page, Community heat resources, is offered by
- Office of the Assistant Commissioner for Health Equity
- Department of Public Health
- Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health
Featured community heat resources
Community heat resource fact sheet
Use this fact sheet to help your community learn simple ways to stay safe during very hot weather.
English | Cape Verdean Creole | Chinese, Simplified | Chinese, Traditional | Haitian Creole | Portuguese (Brazil) | Russian | Spanish | Vietnamese
Prevent and treat heat-related illness
Understand heat-related symptoms to keep yourself and others safe during hot weather.
English | Cape Verdean Creole | Chinese, Simplified | Chinese, Traditional | Haitian Creole | Portuguese (Brazil) | Russian | Spanish | Vietnamese
Community heat alert signup
Sign up for Community Heat Alerts to get timely email updates when unhealthy heat is forecasted, along with practical tips and shareable resources to help you protect your community.
The First is the Worst
In Massachusetts, extreme heat is becoming a more serious health concern as summer temperatures rise year after year. Data show that the first heat wave of the season often the worst for people’s health, leading to more heat-related illnesses and hospital visits than later heat waves. This is because our bodies need time to adjust to the heat. That’s why it’s important to prepare early—before the first hot days arrive.
Unhealthy Heat Community Action Toolkit
Use the Unhealthy Heat Action Toolkit to help raise awareness and share heat safety information in your community. The toolkit includes key messages, outreach ideas, social media posts, accessible ALT text, and ready-to-use materials that community partners, local leaders, and organizations can use to help people prepare for unhealthy heat.
Social media graphics
Download and share these social media images to help raise awareness about unhealthy heat in your community. Each image includes a simple heat safety message that can be posted on social media, shared with local partners, or used to support community outreach before and during hot weather.
Unhealthy heat forecast
Unhealthy heat is on the way. Check the Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast, make a plan, and share heat safety tips with neighbors, family, and friends.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-unhealthy-heat-forecast #BeatTheHeat
First heat wave
The first heat wave of the season can be the most dangerous. Our bodies need time to adjust. Plan ahead: drink fluids, find cool places, and check on people who may need help. https://www.mass.gov/extreme-heat #BeatTheHeat
Heat helper
Be a heat ‘helper'. During hot weather, call, text, or visit older adults, people living alone, families with young children, and neighbors without air conditioning. A quick check-in can make a difference. https://www.mass.gov/extreme-heat #BeatTheHeat
Who is at higher risk
Know who is more likely to get sick from heat: older adults, young children, pregnant people, outdoor workers, athletes, people without housing, and people with medical conditions or disabilities. https://www.mass.gov/extreme-heat #BeatTheHeat
Heat illness
Heat illness can become an emergency. Watch for dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion, or fainting. Call 911 you think someone is having a heat stroke. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/prevent-and-treat-heat-related-illness #BeatTheHeat
Hydration
Hydration matters during unhealthy heat. Drink more fluids (water or electrolyte replacement drinks) than you usually would, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. https://www.mass.gov/extreme-heat #BeatTheHeat
Cooling resources
Need a cool place? Call 2-1-1 or check local resources for cooling centers, libraries, senior centers, splash pads, pools, and other places to cool off during a heat wave. https://www.mass.gov/extreme-heat #BeatTheHeat
Events and watch parties
Planning a summer event or watch party? Add shade, drinking water, cooling breaks, and a weather plan. Heat safety helps everyone celebrate safely. https://www.mass.gov/extreme-heat #BeatTheHeat
Outdoor workers
Working outside during unhealthy heat can be dangerous. Drink fluids, take breaks, use shade when possible, and watch for signs of heat illness. https://www.mass.gov/extreme-heat #BeatTheHeat
Medicine and power outages
Some medicines and medical devices require extra planning during periods of unhealthy heat. Ask a doctor or pharmacist how to store medicine and plan ahead for power outages. https://www.mass.gov/extreme-heat #BeatTheHeat