Greenwich Health Dept Warns Of Hot Weather, Opens Cooling Centers

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Department of Health has issued a warning about the heat.

With temperatures forecast to reach over 90 degrees Wednesday and the high 80s the remainder of the week, GDH is reminding residents that heat-related illnesses are a public health threat.

"All residents, especially persons who are young, elderly, have medical or mental health conditions, use medications that impede body temperature regulation, those who do not have air conditioning, or those whose work requires outdoor activities and people who are socially isolated are encouraged to pay special attention to the weather," the public health office said in a news release Wednesday.

The Greenwich Department of Health is urging residents to:

• Keep children and pets inside, except for brief stays outdoors. Always avoid direct sunlight exposure and give pets plenty of water to drink
• 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
• Stay indoors, if you don't have to go out. Spend time in air-conditioning if possible. Electric fans may provide some comfort.
• 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
• 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 a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen with UV protection of 15 or higher. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
• Visit or regularly check on:
  • infants and young children
  • people over age 65 and frail elderly
  • those who have a medical condition (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, obesity, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease) or mental illness (cognitive and psychiatric disorders)

The Greenwich Department of Health is also encouraging residents to brush up on the signs and symptoms of these heat-related illnesses:

• 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.

The Greenwich Department of Health is advising residents they can go to the following air-conditioned locations to read, sit quietly and charge their cell phones:

Greenwich Main Library
101 West Putna.m. Avenue, Greenwich

Mon – Fri: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sun: 1:00 p.m.--5:00 p.m.

Perrot Memorial Library
90 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich

Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tues, Thurs: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Byram Shubert Library
21 Mead Avenue, Byra.m.

Mon, Wed ,Fri, Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tues: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thurs: 12 p.m. –8 p.m.

Cos Cob Library
5 Sinawoy Road, Cos Cob

Mon: 12:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.
Tues - Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center
449 Pemberwick Road

Mon - Fri: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Greenwich Public Safety Complex
John Margenot Atrium
11 Bruce Place

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Helplines / Utilities:

Aquarion Water Company 1-800-732-9678
Eversource 1-800-286-2000
CT Natural Gas Company (203) 869-6913
Local Non-Emergency Phone Numbers:
Town of Greenwich – www.greenwichct.org (203) 622-7700
Greenwich Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health (203)-987-1001/622-7838
Greenwich Fire Department non-emergency (203) 622-3950
Greenwich Police Department non-emergency (203) 622-8000
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Service / American Medical Response (AMR) 1-800-379-7700
Department of Parks and Recreation Tree Division (203) 622-7824
Greenwich Chapter, American Red Cross (203) 869-3500
Greenwich Department of Human Services ( 203) 622-3800
Connecticut Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

To report Police, Fire and EMS emergencies only, dial 911.