By David Dunbar

When the temperatures rise, it is uncomfortable for most people. But for the 4,600 older people living in Franklin, it can be dangerous.

Summers are getting warmer and with it can come heat cramps, edema, exhaustion and heat stroke especially for those over 65 years of age. 

“In addition to the elderly population,” explains Franklin Fire Chief James McLaughlin, “there are the kids playing sports outdoors, laborers, and others at risk because of the high temperatures.” Other at-risk groups include pregnant individuals, people with disabilities or limited mobility, and folks without air conditioning.

“We usually regard three days in a row with temperatures above 90 degrees as a heat wave,” he adds. Oftentimes, this is accompanied by a significant increase in emergency room visits and heat-related illnesses.

Globally, Swiss Re Group’s 2025 SONAR Report showed extreme heat claimed 500,000 lives last year. More than hurricanes, tornadoes, severe rainstorms, blizzards or floods One study published in the August 2024 Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) identified 311 deaths in the U.S. due to extreme heat in 2004; in 2023, the number of deaths had risen to 2,325.

To the elderly, Chief McLaughlin offers advice to “stay inside during the heat and try to stay cool. Wear loose clothing, close the windows, take a cool shower or bath, and drink plenty of water.” Good advice for everyone.

You might also seek out a cooling center. “The Franklin Library is one of the places where people can take refuge in extreme weather,” explains Director Felicia Oti. Another is the Senior Center.

Oti continues, “The cooling center is open during regular library hours… 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays/Saturdays.” All are welcome, she says, “and they can stay as long as they choose during regular library hours.” 

And what can visitors do while they cool off? “We have programs in the mornings, afternoons and evenings every day; we provide access to clean chilled water and snacks, plus access to computers.” Oti adds, “We also have a variety of reading materials, board games, toys, playthings and plenty of comfortable seating.” 

Chief McLaughlin receives a weekly weather forecast from the state and when extreme weather is predicted, he spreads the word. “We use phone calls, texts, emails plus Twitter and local cable television to reach our residents.”

You might visit www.mass.gov/info-details/extreme-heat-resources for additional information.

Be on the alert this summer for really hot weather. July is usually the hottest month of the year, followed by August. According to The Weather Channel and Yale Climate Connections, “2025 is shaping up to be the second hottest year on earth.”