It Is Hot. It Is REALLY Hot!

The Westport Office Of Emergency Management sent out a press release today telling us just how hot it will be, and for how long, urging folks to take precautions where necessary and reminding us of where we can go to stay cool, at least for a while. Locations like the Senior Center, MoCa Westport, the Westport-Weston Family YMCA and the Westport Museum for History and Culture were among the locations mentioned in the release. Hours of operation were listing in the press release below.

PREPARE FOR EXTREME HEAT OVER NEXT SEVERAL DAYS

Cooling Centers Are Open Across the State and Can Be Located by Calling 2-1-1

(WESTPORT, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is advising Connecticut residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to take precautions ahead of the extreme temperatures that are forecast to impact the state beginning this afternoon and remaining in effect through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The current forecast indicates that temperatures over this period during the daytime will rise into the 90s and the heat index will be between 95 and 100 degrees. Overnight temperatures are expected to be very uncomfortable, with lows only falling to the 70s and dewpoints also in the 70s.

“It’s been pretty warm over the last several days and it’s about to get warmer, particularly over the next several evenings,” Governor Lamont said. “Anyone who is vulnerable to heat and humidity is advised to take precautions. Cooling centers are open throughout Connecticut and can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211ct.org.” The purpose of the Extreme Hot Weather 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.

 Chief Nick Marsan, Westport Emergency Management Director, is advising people in Westport, particularly those who are most vulnerable to heat and humidity, to take precautions. “Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1, view the online list at 211ct.org, or stopping by the below sites open in our community,” said Chief Marsan.

Cooling Center Locations and Hours of Operations:

Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Avenue Monday - Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Closed on Sat & Sun 

MoCa Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike  Monday - Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Westport Weston Family YMCA, 14 Allen Raymond Lane Monday– Fri 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sat-Sun 7:00 AM-6:00 PM

Westport Museum for History and Culture, 25 Avery Place Tues – Sat 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on Sun & Mon

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:

Stay cool: 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.

Stay Hydrated: Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.

- Drink more water than usual.

- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.

- Drink from 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.