The first major heatwave of the year has prompted state and city officials to issue an “Extreme Weather Protocol” through June 22.
“In coordination with Governor Lamont’s Office and with the Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, I have ordered the opening of the City of West Haven Cooling Center’s from Tuesday June 18 until Saturday June 22,” Mayor Borer said in a statement issued Tuesday.
West Haven Cooling Centers include:
Main Library Hours: 9:30-8, Monday-Thursday; 9:30-5, Friday & Saturday; Closed Sundays. The library is at 300 Elm St., and can be contacted by calling, (203) 937-4233.
Ora Mason Branch Library Hours: Noon-8 Monday; 9:30-5 Tuesday-Friday; Closed on weekends. Ora Mason is at 260 Benham Hill Road, (203) 933-9381.
West Haven Senior Center Hours: 9-4 Monday-Friday; Closed on weekends, at 201 Noble St. (203) 937-3507.
Those visiting another town or city and need cooling, all statewide cooling centers can be found by calling 2-1-1.
“It is recommended that those individuals with a history of medical or breathing problems, including the very young and elderly, are to be aware of these elevated heat and humidity conditions, and take all precautions to ensure outside activities are limited,” Borer’s statement read. “Please ensure everyone has extra hydration, wearing of Loose fitting & light-colored clothing when possible, and staying out of the direct sunlight are highly recommended. Be aware of these similar recommendations for your pets as well.”
The Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor these conditions and update as needed.
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 remain 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 changes 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. 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.