Bridgeport Officials Urge Residents To Use Cooling Centers During Extreme Heat

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport officials are again urging residents to take precautions during a period of extreme heat this week by using cooling centers during normal business hours and limiting outdoor activity.

The Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center, in conjunction with Mayor Joe Ganim, said residents may use designated cooling centers during business hours. Officials said people with asthma may face increased health risks during the heat and advised residents to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity.

Cooling center protocols are in effect from 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, through 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. It marks the third time the city has activated the protocols this summer.

Officials also said people experiencing homelessness may seek shelter during the air quality advisory by calling 211.

Dr. Elizabeth Rivera-Rodriguez, director of the Bridgeport Health and Social Services Department, encouraged residents, particularly older adults and other vulnerable populations, to take steps to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

"We are encouraging our seniors and most vulnerable populations to take care of themselves during this period of extreme heat by following these tips," Rivera-Rodriguez said.

She recommended:

• Staying indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and keeping shades or curtains closed.
• Spending time in air-conditioned locations such as cooling centers, shopping malls, senior centers, libraries or a friend's home if a residence is too hot.
• Limiting oven use and cooking.
• Wearing loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
• Taking cool showers or baths.
• Limiting time outdoors, especially during strenuous activities such as gardening or mowing the lawn.
• Drinking plenty of water and limiting coffee intake.
• Checking frequently on older adults and other vulnerable people during periods of extreme heat.

Cooling Centers:

Senior Centers (Open weekdays only)

• Black Rock Senior Center – 2676 Fairfield Avenue, (8:00am- 3:00pm)
• East Side Senior Center – 268 Putnam Street (8:00am- 3:00pm)
• Eisenhower Senior Center – 307 Golden Hill Street, (8:00am-3:00pm)
• Veterans Affairs Center – 20 Thorme Street, (9:00am- 4:30pm)
• Alpha Community Services YMCA – 650 Park Ave (Mon thru Fri – 9:00am-5:00pm; closed on Saturday & Sunday)

GBT Station

• 710 Water Street, Mon- Fri (will remain open overnight)

Bridgeport Public Library Branches

• Main Branch – 925 Broad Street, Mon & Tues (10:00am- 6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
• Black Rock Branch – 2705 Fairfield Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
• Newfield Branch – 755 Central Avenue, Mon & Tues (10:00am- 6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
• North Branch – 3455 Madison Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).
• Beardsley Branch – 2534 East Main Street, Mon & Wed (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Thurs (10:00am- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).
• East Side Branch – Temporarily closed for construction.