The Brattleboro Fire Department, in coordination with local and regional emergency management partners, is urging the community to take precautions as extreme heat is expected to affect the region over the next few days. In addition to dangerous heat and humidity, there is also the potential for severe thunderstorms, which may bring heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning.
High temperatures combined with elevated humidity levels will increase the risk of heat- related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations, including older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and those without access to air conditioning.
Cooling Centers and Public Resources
To help the community stay safe and cool, the following public facilities in Brattleboro are open at the following times:
Brattleboro Senior Center
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Friday and Saturday for the holiday weekend
Brooks Memorial Library
Tuesday: Open until 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed Friday and Saturday for the holiday
Living Memorial Park Pool
General Swim: Monday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 1 to 6:30 p.m.
Family Swim: Monday through Friday, 6 to 8 p.m.
Additional cooling sites can be found at HealthVermont.gov.
Key Safety Recommendations
The community is strongly encouraged to take the following precautions:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine.
- Keep Cool: Spend time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
- Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours (generally 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- Check on Others: Regularly check on neighbors, especially seniors and those who may be isolated.
- Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles: Temperatures inside a parked car can become deadly within minutes.
Know the Signs of Heat Illness:
- Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea
- Heat Stroke (medical emergency): High body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness; call 911 immediately
If you need emergency assistance, please call 911 immediately!
Severe Thunderstorm Safety
With the potential for strong to severe storms, the community should also be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Monitor weather forecasts and alerts throughout the day.
- Seek shelter indoors at the first sign of thunder or lightning.
- Avoid using electrical appliances during storms.
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
- Be cautious of downed power lines and report them immediately.
Message from the Fire Chief
“This level of heat can quickly become dangerous, even for healthy individuals, and the added threat of severe storms increases the risk to our community,” said Chief Jay Symonds. “We are asking everyone to take precautions, stay weather-aware, and look out for one another.”
The Brattleboro Fire Department will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.
For additional information, follow the official Town of Brattleboro communication channels or contact the department directly.
Stay Informed
For more information and updates, visit:
- Heat Safety Tips and Cooling Sites Map
- NWS Heat Safety and Resources
- NWS Burlington Heat page
- NWS Heat Risk page (NEW/Experimental)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay informed!
# # #230 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Date: June 30, 2026
