Schools to Close Early Thursday

Excessive heat forcing towns to send kids home early.

As we enter the last day of a three-day heat wave, schools from Danbury to Litchfield and East Hampton to Meriden are closing early because of lack of air conditioning.

Check your listing on the school closings page.

This is the second day public schools in Danbury, Litchfield, New Britain, Torrington and Winchester are dismissing early.

Litchfield Public Schools are also dismissing early on Thursday. The schools will follow their normal early dismissal schedules, but all evening activities scheduled for the two days will still be held.

Litchfield will dismiss early on Thursday, but all evening activities will still be held.

Danbury schools are also dismissing early on Thursday, Mayor Mark Boughton tweeted.

Granby will close early Thursday, following a normal early release schedule.  The town did not release students early Wednesday.

Shelton elementary schools will be dismissed at 1 p.m. Thursday.

To help people deal with the heat, Hartford is opening several cooling centers.

The Connecticut State Police issues tips for pool and swimming safety:

  • Never leave children (even those who can swim) unattended in, around or near pools or other water sources – not even for a few moments.  A child can drown in the moment it takes to answer a phone.
  • Never swim alone. Use the buddy system and maintain eye contact.
  • Keep pool area locked and secure when not in use.
  • Swim only in supervised and approved areas.
  • Keep rescue equipment near the pool. Have emergency flotation devices and a phone near the pool.
  • Enroll children in swim lessons.
  • Enforce water safety rules. No running, pushing or dunking.
  • Never falsely claim to need help in the water.
  • Take all toys out of the pool when not swimming so that children will not be tempted to go after the toys.
  • Learn CPR and water rescue techniques.
  • Have a professional inspect all entrapment hazards in the pool, including the pump and drain. 
  • Know and mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool pump.

More hot weather tips:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water--- especially the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. 
  • Avoid prolonged work in the sun or in poorly ventilated areas.  
  • Stay in cool, air-conditioned environments.
  • Do not leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
  • Check in on elderly family members and/or neighbors often.

If severe weather strikes: 

  • Pick a safe place in your home where there are no windows, skylights or glass doors.
  • Unplug appliances.
  • Have a flashlight ready and do not use candles.
  • Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer.
     

We want your hot weather photos. Send them to us at photos@nbcconnecticut.com.

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