Lynn opening cooling center for weekend

LYNN – The Lynn Vocational Technical Institute annex at 90 Commercial St. will be open noon today and Sunday for six hours each day as a citywide cooling station.City Health Director MaryAnn O’Connor said the large two-story area running the building’s length will be open to residents and air conditioned from noon to 6 p.m. both days with weather reports predicting temperatures over 90 degrees.”Bring your own entertainment,” O’Connor urged.View a photo galleryGreater Lynn Senior Services case workers are calling hundreds of seniors in Lynn and other communities served by the agency, including Nahant and Saugus, and determining if they are prepared to combat the intense heat.”We’re making sure everything is OK and that they have a fan or air conditioning,” said GLSS Community Programs Director Marilyn Long.Lynn resident Katherine Stearns said staying cool is essential to helping her manage respiratory problems. Her home is air conditioned and she puts ice in front of a fan for extra cooling.GLSS urged seniors Friday to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day and drink water while avoiding alcohol and caffeine or drinks with large amounts of sugar.”Never leave anyone of any age, or a pet, in a closed, parked vehicle,” states the agency’s “wellness watch” bulletin on heat precautions.Long urged any senior in need of a cool place to call GLSS’ main number, 781-599-0110, for information and assistance.GLSS Home Care Programs Director Susan Drake said agency case workers assist about 2,000 seniors, including residents who could be at greater risk for heat-related health problems because they live alone and may not have family living near them.She said GLSS employees who provide personal care, deliver food and work as health aides check on clients during heat waves to ensure they are safe.”We ask, ‘How are you doing? Do you have what you need?'” Drake said.Green Street resident Barbara Marshall said she will ask her upstairs neighbor the same questions this weekend, knowing the man has trouble breathing.”I will go upstairs and make sure he’s alright,” she said.Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected].