Extreme Heat Protocol Activated In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — (From Town of Stratford): Based on the current forecast, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for most of the area, including Stratford, for Wednesday through Friday.

NWS has placed all of Connecticut in the Major Heat Risk Category, which is one step below the highest level of Extreme.

As a result, Gov. Ned Lamont is activating the State’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, and the Town of Stratford is activating its Extreme Heat Protocol from Wednesday, July 1, at 8 a.m. until Sunday, July 5, at 6 p.m.

“I urge everyone to stay safe and be smart during this Extreme Heat Watch,” Mayor David Chess said. “I’ve activated Stratford’s cooling centers from Wednesday through Sunday to ensure everyone has somewhere cool to go during this long stretch of severely hot and humid weather. I know that many people will be out and about during the July 4th holiday weekend, and I encourage everyone to stay hydrated and in air-conditioned environments as much as possible. Please avoid outdoor yard work and activities during peak temperatures and direct sun exposure. Please also remember to check on family, friends and neighbors during the next several days, especially older adults or those prone to heat-related health problems, as heat index values of this kind can cause heat-related illnesses.”

The weather forecast shows temperatures warming each day, with 90+ highs from Wednesday through Saturday. Heat peaks are expected on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures ranging from 95 to 100 degrees and heat indices potentially reaching 110 degrees.

Stratford cooling center availability will be as follows:

Town of Stratford Birdseye Municipal Complex: 468 Birdseye Street, Stratford, CT 06615

• Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday through Sunday: Closed for the Independence Day Holiday

Stratford YMCA: 3045 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614

• Wednesday: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Residents are advised to stay cool to avoid heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips on how to stay cool:

• Stay in air-conditioned environments 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 cooling center. See the list of Stratford Cooling Centers above, and if needed, call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers in other municipalities. Do not rely on a fan as your only 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 be provided with ready access to water and shade to keep them cool. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles.

Remember to stay hydrated. Since your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated in extreme heat. Here are some tips to avoid dehydration:

• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink 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.

Residents who need additional resources, such as overnight sheltering, transportation assistance or other social services, should call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org for statewide cooling center information. If you or anyone is experiencing a heat-related emergency or any other emergency, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.

For further emergency management resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.