Cooling Centers Open During Possible Second Heat Wave of Summer

Today could be the second heat wave of the summer as temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s.

Middletown and Simsbury have already opened cooling centers.

Middletown (Monday, Aug. 17 and Tuesday, Aug. 18)

  • Municipal Building Council Chamber, 245 deKoven Drive, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Middletown Police Department lobby, 222 Main Street, 24 hours
  • Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Elderly citizens are advised to use the Senior Center, 150 William Street, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Middletown fire, South and Westfield fire districts will open the following fire hydrants Monday, Aug. 17 and Tuesday, Aug. 18:

  • The Highlands Crescent Drive bus stop, 12 to 4 p.m.
  • Maplewood Terrace, 2 to 5 p.m.
  • Summer Hill Road and Woodbury Circle, 2 to 5 p.m.
  • MacDonough School, 12 to 3 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Santangelo Circle, 12 to 3 p.m.
  • Daddario Road, 6 to 8 p.m.

Simsbury (Monday, Aug. 17 through Wednesday, Aug. 19)

  • Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street (lower-level entrance), open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday.
  • Eno Memorial Hall (senior center), 754 Hopmeadow Street, open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
  • More information about staying safe in extreme heat is available by calling the town's Social Services Department at 860-658-3283.

Officials from Stamford have warned residents to keep an eye out for these heat stroke signs and symptoms:

  • If someone has a body temperature that's 105 degrees or more
  • Hot and dry skin with red spots
  • Confusion mentally
  • Someone has lost consciousness
  • Someone is convulsing

People at the greatest risk of heat-related illnesses, according to Stamford officials, include:

  • Infants
  • Young children
  • Mentally ill individuals
  • People who are physically ill
  • Anyone with heart disease or high blood pressure

You should call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room if you are experiencing those symptoms. Also, make sure to get the person out of the sun and use water to help the individual cool off.

Call 211 or check 211ct.org for information on other shelters and alternative resources to beat the heat in Connecticut towns.

Officials in various towns are advising residents to take the following precautions in the extreme heat:

  • Stay hydrated throughout the day and avoid dehydrating drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
  • Stay inside if you can or minimize your exposure to the sun. If you do venture outside, put sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher on.
  • Wear clothing that's lightweight or loose-fitting.
  • Stay in an air-conditioned place like a library, mall or movie theater during the hottest peaks of the day.
  • While electric fans may make you more comfortable when it's hot out, they will not ward off possible heat-related illnesses in high 90-degree weather.
  • Don't leave children, senior citizens or pets in a vehicle that is closed or leave pets outside for a long duration.
  • Check on elderly family members and neighbors.
  • Have your family doctor's phone number posted next to your phone at home or easily accessible in your cell phone.
  • Limit outdoor activity to early morning and evening hours.
  • Cut down on physical activity.
  • Drink two to four glasses of cold, non-alchoholic fluids an hour if you choose to exercise. Sports beverages replace salt and minerals you lose when you sweat, so if you're on a low-salt diet, check with your doctor before having a sports drink.
  • Rest often in the shade.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the son and stay cool, wear sunglasses and put sunscreen on that's SPF or highers.
  • Eat well-balanced and regular light meals.
  • Stay on your home's lowest floor.

Bridgeport's emergency management website and downloadable extreme heat guide have more information on how to stay cool and beat the heat.

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