Middletown Opens Cooling Centers as State Activates Extreme Heat Protocol

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The City of Middletown is opening several cooling centers and taking additional measures to help residents cope with a stretch of extreme heat after Gov. Ned Lamont activated Connecticut's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol.

The protocol took effect at 10 a.m. Thursday and will remain in place until 6 p.m. Sunday, June 14, as forecasters predict a multi-day period of hot and humid weather. According to state officials, heat index values are expected to exceed 90 degrees each day and could reach 100 degrees or higher at times, meeting the National Weather Service's definition of a heat wave.

City officials urged residents to limit prolonged exposure to the heat and to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Residents seeking relief from the heat may use the following cooling centers:

• City Hall lobby, 245 deKoven Drive, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
• Middletown Police Department lobby, 222 Main St., open 24 hours a day.
• Middletown Recreation Center lobby, 140 Wilderman's Way, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
• Middletown Senior Center, 61 Durant Terrace, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
• Russell Library, 123 Broad St., from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, 617 Main St., from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

City officials noted that food and beverages may not be available at all cooling centers and encouraged residents to contact facilities before traveling.

In addition, the splash pad at Veterans Memorial Park will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The city also plans to open fire hydrant sprinklers at several locations, including the Highlands Crescent Drive bus stop, Maplewood Terrace, Summer Hill Road and Woodbury Circle, Daddario Road, Pease Avenue and Santangelo Circle. Sprinklers will operate from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and from noon to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Officials warned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, is marked by a body temperature of 105 degrees and can include symptoms such as disorientation, delirium and loss of consciousness. Health officials said the condition can become life-threatening within minutes and requires immediate medical attention.

Those at greatest risk include young children, older adults, people who are overweight and individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure or certain medical conditions.

City officials advised residents to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, seek air-conditioned environments when possible, check on vulnerable neighbors and family members, and never leave children or pets unattended in parked vehicles.