Deja Vu: Governor Activates Extreme Hot Weather Protocol through Friday as Temps Soar
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that temperatures over the next several days will be very hot and humid with highs of more than 90 degrees and a heat index in the low to mid 90s, he is directing Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol to be activated beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, and remaining in effect through 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location to get some relief from the hot conditions.
Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 2-1-1 or look online at 211ct.org to find their nearest location. (In the coming hours, the website will display a banner that contains a link to a list of cooling centers.)
“The stretch of hot weather coming this week isn’t expected to be quite as hot and humid as the most recent wave we had a few days ago, but the temperatures will still be very high, and anyone who anticipates spending long periods of time outdoors should take caution,” Governor Lamont said. “The state is working with our local and nonprofit partners to make cooling centers available statewide. Anyone who needs a place to cool off should call 2-1-1 to find their nearest available cooling center.”
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.
Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.
Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC in order to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.
The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, 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 change in temperature.
People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency 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:
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. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) 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 be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.
Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods extreme heat. Because bodies lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common while experiencing very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:
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.
First Selectwoman Urges Greens Farms Residents to Attend Cell Tower Hearing
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker is notifying the public that on August 9, 2022, the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) will conduct an evidentiary hearing at 2:00 PM and a public comment hearing at 6:30 PM regarding Tarpon Towers/AT&T’s proposed cell tower at 92 Greens Farms Road in Westport. Details on the virtual hearings are attached and below.
First Selectwoman Tooker stated, “I urge neighbors of Greens Farms Road, and 92 Greens Farms Road in particular, to participate in the CSC hearing on August 9. I continue to have concerns about locating a public utility on residential lots such as 92 Greens Farms Road, and am urging officials to consider alternate sites. The August 9 public hearing will provide an opportunity for neighbors and the Westport community to communicate their opinions and provide additional comment on this issue.”
Note that those wishing to speak at the 6:30 PM hearing must sign up in advance with the CSC; others may provide written comment in advance. Instructions to do so are included in the Notice and as follows per the Siting Council:
The purpose of the hearing is to receive evidence on the applicants' assertions that the public need for the facility outweighs any adverse environmental effects from the construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility. The 2:00 p.m. evidentiary session will provide the applicant, parties and intervenors an opportunity to cross-examine positions. No public comments will be received during the 2:00 p.m. evidentiary session. The 6:30 p.m. public comment session is reserved for the public to make statements into the record. Public statements are limited to 3 minutes. During the 6:30 p.m. public comment session, the applicants will present an overview of the proposed facility.
Attendees can join by clicking (or entering) the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87168810392?pwd=YrnFPblBrSnpNUEtXTUOzTjZpbHFKOT09
from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Meeting ID: 871 6881 0392 and Passcode: 3ktfnw No prior software download is required. For audio-only participation, attendees can join by dialing in at 1(929) 205-6099 (not toll free) and then enter the Meeting ID: 871 6881 0392 Passcode: 406721 from a telephone.
Interested persons may join any session to listen but must sign-up in advance to speak during the 6:30 p.m. public comment session.
To participate in the 6:30 p.m. public comment session by computer, smartphone or tablet, please send an email to siting.council@ct.gov with your name, email address and mailing address by August 8, 2022. To participate in the 6:30 p.m. public comment session by telephone, please leave a voicemail message at 860-827-2935 with your name, telephone number, and mailing address by August 8, 2022. Public comments may also be submitted to the Council by electronic mail or by regular mail.
Mihali & Twiddle Pack the Levitt Pavilion Once Again On Saturday
Twiddle frontman Mihali Savoulidis dazzles with one of his many guitar shreds
The second day of the Levitt Pavilion's Two-Day Festival Event once again saw the venue filled to capacity with concert goers, many of whom were in attendance on Friday as well. A special acoustic performance by headliners Twiddle for VIP ticket holders started the day. Dwight & Nicole opened the show at the four o'clock hour followed by Eggy.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Fans who saw the amazing show on Friday by headliners Twiddle who were expecting to be wowed once more on Saturday were not disappointed. The band's frontman Mihali Savoulidis again hit it out of the park with blistering guitar work and soulful vocals as they played the many tracks their fans knew very well. The fact that they have had over 100 million streams is testament to their power with their fans, both old and young, Early followers who saw Twiddle in 2013 at the famed Gathering Of The Vibes in Bridgeport where they played on the smaller satellite stage have grown tremendously in Connecticut and beyond over the years. Near the beginning of their first set Savoulidis played what has become known as his "Layla Tease" where he blends Eric Clapton's famous mega hit into one of his flowing jams with a level of skill Clapton himself might appreciate.
For those who were not fortunate enough to see this phenomenal band at the Levitt Pavilion, check out this Youtube video to see the kind of concert where exceptional musicianship is enhanced with a light show including LED panels and a laser display that creates an ultimate concert experience. Check out Twiddle on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGa0ln8J8to and you will no doubt look anxiously to see them on The Levitt Pavilion calendar sooner rather than later.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Showers likely, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. East wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Light and variable wind.
Tomorrow
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 68. North wind 3 to 5 mph.
High Tides
1:56 AM / 2:21 PM
Low Tides
8:17 AM / 8:36 PM