New London Opens Cooling Center Amid Heat Wave

NEW LONDON, CT — The city has opened cooling centers due to the extreme heat and humidity levels expected this week. The cooling center opened at the Adult Reading Room in the New London Public Library at 63 Huntington St.

The cooling center will be open during library hours from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Senior Citizen's Center at 10 Brainard St. will also be available as a cooling center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. The city would "consider expanding those hours during the weekend" if necessary.

For additional area cooling centers, the public can call 211.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, the city noted in a statement that some people are at greater risk than others:

* Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.

* People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.

* People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because they tend to retain more body heat.

* People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.

* People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

Stay Cool: Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.

Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.

* Find an air-conditioned shelter. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.

* Avoid direct sunlight.

* Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

* Take cool showers or baths.

* Check on those most at-risk several times a day.

* Pets that cannot be brought indoors should have ready access to water and shade.

Stay Hydrated: Because your body loses fluids through sweat during extreme heat.

* To avoid dehydration, drink more water than usual.

* Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.

* Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.

* Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.

* Remind others to drink enough water.