Jaime Foster

The governor has activated the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, and it remains in effect through Sunday at noon.

The purpose of this 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.

Cooling centers are open 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.

Locally, cooling centers will be open:

East Windsor: Cooling centers will be provided between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each day.

Wednesday, June 19, the Town Hall Annex will be available at 25 School Street
Thursday, June 20, the Town Hall will be available at 11 Rye Street
Friday, June 21, the Town Hall will be available at 11 Rye Street

East Windsor Parks and Recreation has also announced it has canceled the Thursday night concert for this week for the health and safety of performers and attendees. A rescheduled date will be announced. The next scheduled concert is June 27. 

Ellington: Ellington Senior Center and Hall Memorial Library will serve as the cooling centers and will be available during normal operating hours.

Hall Memorial Library:
Monday - Thursday
10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday - Saturday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Ellington Senior Center:
Monday
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Vernon:
Rockville Public Library, 52 Union St., is air-conditioned and open
Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 
Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. 
Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Vernon Senior Center members can go to the Vernon Senior Center at Bolton Road. It is open to members:
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

• The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.
• Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.
• Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC in order to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.
• The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.

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 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.

• 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.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

A reminder 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.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation became effective on January 1, 1863, the news took time to make its way around the country. As such, it was not until June 19, 1865, when the Union army brought word of the proclamation to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, making them among the last to be freed.