Stamford Cooling Centers To Remain Open Through Friday

As the hot, hazy, humid weather continues this week, the City of Stamford has announced there are several cooling centers open throughout the city for residents.

In addition to visiting local libraries and shopping malls, these cooling centers will be available through Friday, Aug. 21:

• Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd., 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Stamford Fire Department Headquarters, 629 Main St., 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Long Ridge Fire Company, 366 Old Long Ridge Rd., 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Union Baptist Church, 805 Newfield Ave., Tues. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sat. (subject to church activities) 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Chester Addison Community Center, 245 Selleck St., Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Jewish Community Center, 1035 Newfield Ave., Tues. - Thurs. 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. 5:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. - Sun. 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Glenbrook Community Center, 35 Crescent St., Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

• Body temperature greater than or equal to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Skin that is hot and dry with red spots.
• Mental confusion.
• Loss of consciousness
• Convulsions

Be Prepared for the Extreme Heat Conditions:

• Have the phone number of your family doctor clearly posted next to your phone (and stored in your cellular phone).
• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him/her how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the movies, shopping mall, public library, or a friend’s house/apartment with air conditioning–even a few hours spent in an air conditioned environment can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat .(See listing of designated cooling centers below)
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave any person or pet in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children need much more frequent watching.
• If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to early morning and evening hours. Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).