Cooling Centers To Be Activated Sunday To Wednesday In Norwalk: Mayor

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling announced Friday afternoon that, following Governor Ned Lamont's decision to activate Connecticut's extreme hot weather protocols July 14-17, the city of Norwalk will activate its cooling centers effective Sunday and remaining in effect through Wednesday.

In a news release provided by the city, Rilling said the current forecast indicates that daytime temperatures during this period will approach and rise above the 90s and reach even higher heat indexes. Overnight temperatures are expected to be lower however, falling to the 70s.

Hot temperatures and high humidity can potentially cause heat-related illness, especially among vulnerable populations. The city encourages everyone to stay hydrated and limit strenuous exercise activities outdoors during the daytime of this time period, Rilling said.

Additionally, due to the high projected heat index values, the city of Norwalk's garbage and recycling collection will start at 6 a.m. rather than 7 a.m., on Monday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 17.

The city recommends residents who get their regular garbage and recycling collected on these days take their bins out this evening to avoid any confusion, according to Rilling.

"I'm activating Norwalk's cooling centers Sunday through Wednesday to help make sure people have a cool place to go as temperatures and heat indexes climb into the 90s," Rilling said in a news release. "In addition to the cooling centers, we recommend that people without air conditioning consider visiting their friends or family who have air conditioning or go to the movies or SoNo Collection Mall during the day. We also encourage people to keep children and pets out of parked cars as this level of heat can cause heat-related illnesses among humans and animals."

Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Anyone needing a place to get out of the heat can go to one of the following cooling centers below across Norwalk.

Residents can also contact or visit the Norwalk Community Resource Hub at (203) 854-7999 during regular business hours at City Hall for resources and assistance. For overnight shelter assistance or other urgent help, please contact CT United Way/Infoline at 2-1-1.

Additionally, the city recommends people without access to air-conditioning also consider going to nonofficial city cooling centers, such as visiting their friends or family who have air conditioning or going to the movies, SoNo Collection Mall or other community spaces with air conditioning.

Cooling Centers:

• The Norwalk Police Department Community Room (1 Monroe Street)
  • Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Norwalk Library- Main Branch (1 Belden Avenue)
  • Sunday, closed
  • Monday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday, 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• South Norwalk Library Branch (10 Washington Street)
  • Sunday, closed
  • Monday, 12:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday, 12:00 - 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday, 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

The city encourages residents to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendations to monitor those at high risk from the heat.

While anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, the following people are at greater risk than others:

• Infants and young children.
• People 65 years of age or older.
• People who are overweight.
• People who overexert during work or exercise.
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.

The following tips from the CDC can help residents stay cool during the hot days ahead:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.

• Drink water. Carry water with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.

• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 AM.

• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available where you are, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool; they circulate the air.

• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

• Be mindful. Never leave people, especially children and pets, in a closed or parked vehicle.

• Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes cooling down much more difficult.

• Stay cool. If there is no air conditioning or fans in your home, consider visiting with friends or family who have air conditioning or one of the city's cooling centers mentioned above.

More information is available at www.ready.gov/heat.