HARTFORD, Conn. - The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) is urging all Connecticut residents to take immediate precautions as dangerous heat and humidity are expected Thursday through Saturday. Temperatures and heat index values may reach record levels in some areas on Friday, creating conditions that can quickly become life-threatening, particularly for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
High heat and humidity significantly increase the risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other serious heat-related illnesses. These conditions can escalate rapidly and require emergency medical attention. CT DPH is asking all residents, employers, and community organizations to look out for one another during this dangerous stretch of weather.
"Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather events we face as a state, and its danger is often underestimated," said Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. "We are asking every Connecticut resident to take this seriously. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check on your neighbors, especially those who are older individuals, live alone, or do not have access to air conditioning. A simple knock on the door or a phone call could save someone's life.”
WHO IS MOST AT RISK
While extreme heat poses a danger to everyone, certain populations face significantly higher health risks and require extra attention:
- Older adults (65+) and pregnant women, whose bodies are less able to regulate temperature and who may be on medications that increase heat sensitivity or are at elevated risk for preterm labor
- Infants and young children, who cannot regulate body temperature as effectively as adults
- Individuals with chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, and kidney disease
- Outdoor and manual labor workers, who are exposed to direct sun and physical exertion during peak heat hours
WHAT ALL RESIDENTS SHOULD DO
Stay Cool
- Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces. If you do not have air conditioning at home, visit a public cooling center, library, shopping mall, or other air-conditioned public space during the hottest parts of the day.
- Use fans in combination with cool water or damp cloths. Fans alone may not provide sufficient relief when heat index values are extremely high.
- Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day to block direct sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures.
- Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked vehicle, even briefly. Car interiors can reach deadly temperatures within minutes.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink water consistently throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Thirst is often a late indicator of dehydration.
- Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day, and more if you are spending time outdoors or being physically active.
- Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine, all of which can contribute to dehydration.
- Offer water regularly to children, older adults, and anyone in your care. They may not recognize or communicate thirst.
Limit Outdoor Exposure
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours, typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- If you must be outside, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas and re-enter air-conditioned spaces regularly.
- Reschedule or modify outdoor events, youth sports practices, and recreational activities to early morning or evening hours when temperatures are lower.
Check on Others
- Check in on older adult neighbors, friends, and family members, especially those who live alone or may not have air conditioning.
- If you see someone showing signs of heat-related illness in a public space, call 911 immediately.
WHAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD DO
Employers have a responsibility to protect their workforce during extreme heat events, particularly those in outdoor or high-heat environments. CT DPH urges all employers to:
- Ensure all workers have convenient access to water, rest, and shade at all times during the workday.
- Modify work schedules to shift strenuous tasks to early morning or evening hours when temperatures are lower.
- Develop and communicate a heat illness prevention plan so all workers know the protocol if a coworker shows signs of illness.
- Never discourage workers from taking breaks or reporting symptoms out of concern for productivity.
COOLING CENTERS ACROSS CONNECTICUT
Connecticut residents without access to air conditioning are encouraged to visit a cooling center during the hottest parts of the day. Cooling centers are available at libraries, community centers, senior centers, and municipal buildings across the state.
To find a cooling center near you, contact your local municipality or town hall or call 211, Connecticut's free health and human services helpline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
RECOGNIZING AND RESPONDING TO HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS
Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can save a life.
Heat Exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, cold or pale skin, fast or weak pulse, nausea, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, and headache. Move the person to a cool location, apply cool wet cloths, and have them sip water. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. Signs include a body temperature above 103°F, hot and red skin, rapid and strong pulse, and possible loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately. Do not give fluids to someone who is unconscious.
Learn more about heat-related illnesses
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