Joshua Hall

We are heading into another heat wave here in Connecticut, so Governor Lamont has activated the state's extreme hot weather protocol, effective today, and will remain in effect through 8 a.m. on Sunday.

The forecast indicates that the heat index during this period will range at times between 95 to 105 degrees and have lingering impacts during the overnight hours, particularly in urban areas.

Hartford residents, particularly those most vulnerable, should take precautions ahead of the high temperatures. Cooling centers are opening statewide. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list online at 211ct.org.

The City of Hartford announced it is opening cooling centers for residents for the rest of the week, beginning today and ending at 8 a.m. on Sunday. The Hartford Fire Department is also handing out water to residents throughout the city.

The following cooling centers are at library branches and other locations in Hartford: 

Albany Library

1250 Albany Ave.

Wednesday and Thursday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
 

Barbour Library

261 Barbour St.

Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
 

Camp Field Library

30 Campfield Ave.

Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
 

Dwight Library

7 New Park Ave.

Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
 

Park Street Library @ the Lyric

603 Park St.

Wednesday and Thursday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
 

South End Wellness Senior Center

830 Maple Ave.

Wednesday through Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
 

North End Senior Center

80 Coventry St.

Wednesday through Friday: 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
 

Pope Park Recreational Center

30 Pope Park Dr.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
 

Parker Memorial Community Center

2621 Main St.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
 

Asylum Hill Congregational Church

814 Asylum Ave.

Wednesday through Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Center Church

60 Gold St. (Enter using the Lewis St. entrance)

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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 with access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is reminded to stay hydrated during periods of 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.