Extreme Heat Advisory Issued In Norwalk, Cooling Centers Open

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling issued an extreme heat advisory for the city beginning Tuesday through Sunday and shared details on cooling centers that will be available throughout Norwalk.

According to a news release, the advisory follows Gov.Ned Lamont's announcement advising Connecticut residents to prepare for extreme heat in the next several days.

The National Weather Service said a heat wave is expected across Connecticut with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees and humid conditions Tuesday-Thursday and potentially through the weekend.

"Following Monday's storm, we are expecting temperatures above 90 degrees, with humidity that could make it feel like it’s nearly 100 degrees," Mayor Harry Rilling said in a news release. "We want everyone, particularly those most vulnerable to extreme heat, to take the proper precautions to stay safe. This includes closely monitoring children and pets and never leaving them alone in a car where temperatures can quickly become life-threatening. In addition to staying hydrated and monitoring those at high-risk of heat-related illness, Norwalk has several cooling centers available. Residents are welcome to go to the Main Branch Library, SoNo Branch Library and the Norwalk Police Department community room to stay cool."

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

While anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, some 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.

• 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 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply 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 persons, especially children, and pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes cooling down much more difficult.
• Stay cool. If no air conditioning or fans are in your home, consider visiting with friends or family that have air-conditioning or one of the city's cooling centers mentioned below.

Beginning Tuesday, anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can go to one of the following cooling centers across Norwalk, or call 2-1-1 to locate their nearest cooling center:

• Norwalk Library- Main Branch (1 Belden Avenue)
  • Monday- Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• South Norwalk Branch (10 Washington Street)
  • Monday, and Wednesday- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• The Norwalk Police Department Community Room (1 Monroe Street)
  • Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Further information on how to take proper precautions during extreme heat can be found at www.ready.gov/heat.