Hartford Opens Cooling Centers as Heat and Humidity Grip Region: UPDATE

HARTFORD, CT — The City of Hartford has opened cooling centers across the city through Sunday, July 5, as high temperatures and humidity continue to create dangerous heat conditions.

Cooling centers opened Tuesday, June 30, and will remain available through 6 p.m. Sunday. The Hartford Fire Department also began distributing bottled water to residents throughout the city Tuesday afternoon.

"The forecast over the next few days calls for temperatures in the high 90s and a lot of humidity, so we are opening our cooling centers to make sure our residents stay safe and cool," Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said in a statement.

"We also want residents to remember to stay hydrated, and please stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day. Don't forget to check in on your loved ones and neighbors, as certain folks are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses than others."

State emergency officials recommend residents drink more water than usual, avoid waiting until they are thirsty to hydrate, consume two to four cups of water per hour when working or exercising outdoors, avoid alcohol and sugary beverages, and remind others to stay hydrated.

Hartford Public Library branches are serving as cooling centers during regular operating hours, although all library locations will be closed Friday and Saturday in observance of Independence Day.

Other cooling centers include the North End Senior Center, South End Senior and Wellness Center, Center Church, Pope Park Recreation Center, Parker Memorial Center, Catholic Charities, the Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance and the Mercy Friendship Center.

Residents seeking the nearest cooling center or additional information can call 2-1-1.

Hartford cooling centers

• Downtown Library, 500 Main St.
• Albany Library, 1250 Albany Ave.
• Barbour Library, 261 Barbour St.
• Camp Field Library, 30 Campfield Ave.
• Dwight Library, 7 New Park Ave.
• Park Street Library at The Lyric, 603 Park St.
• Ropkins Library, 1750 Main St.
• North End Senior Center, 80 Coventry St.
• South End Senior and Wellness Center, 830 Maple Ave.
• Center Church, 60 Gold St. (enter on Lewis Street)
• Pope Park Recreation Center, 30 Pope Park Drive
• Parker Memorial Center, 2621 Main St.
• Catholic Charities, 45 Wadsworth St.
• Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance, 557-559 Albany Ave.
• Mercy Friendship Center, 118 Main St.

Several facilities will operate on modified schedules or close for the Independence Day holiday. Residents are encouraged to check individual operating hours before visiting.

For the State of Connecticut announcement regarding hot weather protocols, click on this link.