Beating the heat at community events | Column

We are in the midst of a scorcher by all accounts as cooling centers are being spun up in some areas (more on that below) and people have tips and tricks they share for staying cool (including kiddie pool foot baths!). With that, a lot is going on with community concerts, live events, Heritage Days this weekend and the Great State of Maine Air Show next weekend. While we are out enjoying all of these things, keeping cool is essential, but equally needed is being respectful to those around you who are also trying to beat the heat. Here are some reminders of things to consider as you enjoy some local events, but we start off with a general ask for your suggestions: Cooling centers Phil Davis from the Sagadahoc County Emergency Management Agency reached out to me this week with a great question: “Where are there buildings with cooling systems in our region that could be used as cooling centers on extremely hot days?” For example, I live in Durham, and the Shiloh Chapel is opening for people today and tomorrow as a cooling center. For those unaware, cooling centers are the exact but opposite of warming centers in the winter, where the general public can go to get out of the heat. Below I have some Heritage Days specific suggestions for beating the heat, but in general, whether it is in Bath, Topsham, Brunswick or Harpswell, where can we find a list of buildings or spaces willing to promote themselves as cooling centers? If you know of a building, and would like to be promoted as such, please email [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection), and I will try an get it up on our BBTRC Facebook page. If you are interested in being a cooling center (or a warming center in the winter) but have questions or need more info, please reach out to Phil. If you are not in Sagadahoc County, still reach out to Phil as he can pass that along to counterparts in other counties — [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) or 207-443-8210. It takes all of us to support the community, and if some citizens cannot afford air conditioning or they just find themselves too warm while they are out and about, this support can be critical. If this is a fit, do let us know. I know our citizens will be appreciative. Advertisement Shade is the new black When I reached out to Amanda McDaniel (executive director of Main Street Bath and chief bottlewasher for Heritage Days) about last-minute Heritage Days updates, the message she sent back led with shade, shade, shade; find some shade, and there is plenty of it. On the Main Street Bath Facebook page, they have posted a lovely video showing all the shady parts of the event spaces for Heritage Days. There is plenty of shade in both Library Park (where the artisans will be for Heritage Days with their canopies) and in Waterfront Park. There are even shady spots along the parade route, which will likely be highly desirable. For all of your Heritage Days info, go to [visitbath.com](http://visitbath.com). It’s cool to stop in downtown shops This goes as much for any of our communities, but it feels especially important during Heritage Days in Bath, that the downtown merchants would love to have you pop in and look around. Maybe you are not ready to buy today, but pop in, cool off and see all the amazing things they have to offer. Many have cold drinks to stay hydrated, some even have ice cream. They want you to come in their stores — you could be their next customer — and to share a little cool air for that is a trade they are happy to make. This also fits with Brunswick downtown, Topsham Fair Mall, Harpswell boutiques and many more. Stay hydrated This seems obvious, but bring a water bottle with you. Soda is nice, and so are other carbonated beverages, but few things beat good ole fashioned water to keep you regulated. Maybe it’s the dad in me, but don’t forget your water. Beware of dogs — as the owner, I mean I love dogs. I love them. I ache that our household is fresh out of dogs until our youngest son gets to be 5 years old. If you have a dog, I bet you love them, too. I know we love to bring our dogs with us to experience community events, but to be honest, it’s not always a great fit when it is this warm. My wife is a licensed vet tech, though she is in another career now, and she has some great reminders. The most critical one is if you’re hot, they are very hot (because unlike you, they have an extra layer of fur). Advertisement If you need water with ice, they need water with ice. If you are going to sit in a hot vehicle, you need the AC on; if they are going to sit in a hot vehicle, they need the AC on. If your bare feet are hot on the pavement, guess what — their feet (even with extra padding) will be hot on pavement and it can affect their overall body temperature. Most importantly, you know how sometimes when you’re hot you get irritable and don’t act like yourself? When your dog gets hot, they may get irritable, too. They may be the nicest, most people-loving dog, but when they are hot, they may not act like themselves. Just keep it in mind for everyone’s sake. Also, good luck with the fireworks. These are tips for this weekend but are essential for all of your summer fun. I’m just trying to help. I’m not an expert, but please take these suggestions in the spirit they intended so that everyone has a fun and safe summer. _Cory King is executive director of the Bath-Brunswick-Topsham Regional Chamber of Commerce._ [](https://www.bowdoin.edu/?utm_source=TimesRecord&utm_medium=SupportingSponsorship) **The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor **We believe a community must be informed to thrive. [**bowdoin.edu**](https://www.bowdoin.edu/?utm_source=TimesRecord&utm_medium=SupportingSponsorship) Copy the Story Link Tagged: [heat wave](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/heat-wave/), [Times Record](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/times-record/), [Times Record Community](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/times-record-community/)