Extreme Heat and Cooling Centers
Throughout the summer months Connecticut may experience periods of extreme heat including excessively high temperatures and high levels of humidity. It is recommended that during periods of extreme heat that Connecticut residents take precautions and stay informed.
Excessively high temperatures can be dangerous for peoples’ health, especially among the elderly, young children, and those who work outdoors.
Cooling Centers
During periods of extreme heat, cooling centers are often opened up at the local level. These cooling centers provide a place to cool off for members of the community especially those most impacted by extreme heat.
If a city/town has opened a designated cooling center, United Way-211 lists the site location and hours on their website.
To have your Cooling Center information added here or any changes made to current listings, please send your information to: info@ctunitedway.org
Extreme Heat Preparedness Tips
Take Care of Yourself and Check on the Most Vulnerable:
- Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, young children, and those with respiratory illnesses to ensure they are remaining hydrated and have adequate cooling in their homes.
- 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.
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.