Beating the Heat! Greenwich Opens Cooling Centers

As the oppressive heat continues, the Greenwich Health Department announced Monday that there are several facilities around town that are open to local residents as cooling areas.

• The Greenwich Senior Center, 299 Greenwich Ave.: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Ave.: Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m.
• Perrot Memorial Library, 90 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Byram Shubert Library, 21 Mead Ave., Byram: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thursday: noon – 8 p.m.
• Western Greenwich Civic Center, 449 Pemberwick Rd.: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Greenwich Police Department lobby, 11 Bruce Pl.: Daily: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

[And the latest weather updates, can be found here.]

Here are some tips an “common-sense practices” from the Health Department for trying to stay cool and to avoid health problems such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

• Keep children and pets inside, except for brief stays outdoors. Always avoid direct sunlight exposure and give pets plenty of water to drink
• If you don’t have to go out, stay indoors. Spend time in air-conditioning if possible. Electric fans can also be used to exhaust air from rooms if air conditioning is not available.
• Avoid strenuous activities as much as possible. Early morning and evening hours are best if you must exercise otherwise, take it easy
• Drink plenty of fluids regardless of your activity. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or those with large amounts of sugar and salt. Those who are on a restricted fluid intake should check with their physician
• Wear lightweight, light colored and loose fitting clothing
• Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle even if the windows are open
• Don’t leave food items in the car or outdoors – food spoils quickly
• Take a cool shower, bath or move into an air conditioned space to cool off
• Eat light, cool, easy to digest foods

• Rest often in shady areas, especially if you are working outdoors
• Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen with UV protection of 15 or higher. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

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Medical Conditions Attributable to Excessive Heat Exposure
Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness could save your life:

Heat stroke – Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately by dialing 9-1-1. If possible, move the person into a cool or air-conditioned environment. Signs of heat stroke may include headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, high body temperature, difficulty breathing, rapid and strong pulse. Skin may be hot and dry or the person may be sweating. Reduce body temperature with air-conditioning, fanning, water sponging and remove clothing if necessary. Avoid giving fluids.

Heat exhaustion – This condition will give rise to heavy sweating, weakness and cool, pale clammy skin. The person may experience muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea and vomiting. Although body temperature may be normal there will be a weak pulse. Move the person out of the sun into a cool environment and apply a cool wet cloth while they are lying down. Give sips of water until feeling better, however if vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat cramps – This condition will give rise to painful cramps and muscle spasms in the legs or abdomen. Heavy sweating may also be present. Move the person out of the heat into a cool environment and gently massage the cramping muscle. Give sips of water unless nausea occurs or there are fluid restrictions. Heat related illness and death can be preventable by knowing the symptoms and risk factors that contribute to them. Spending a few hours in an air conditioned location can help your body stay cooler.

Residents can also visit friends or family members who have air conditioning, visit shopping malls or go to the movies in order to cool off.

For more information contact the Greenwich Department of Health by calling 622-7836 or on line at www.greenwichct.org

Patch file photo.