The State of Connecticut has activated its hot weather protocol effective noon today, July 28, and it will remain in effect until at least Wednesday, July 30, at 8 p.m. First Selectman Fred Camillo is urging people to be careful and keep an eye on their own health, as well as the health of vulnerable residents.
Greenwich will continue to have several cooling stations around Town open this week for those seeking relief from the heat. In addition to making sure to avoid heat-related illnesses, residents should also check in on vulnerable friends and family members who might be susceptible to the heat
According to the State of Connecticut, temperatures will reach into the 90s on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday along with humid conditions that will push the heat index near or above 100 degrees.
Residents should protect themselves and beware of symptoms of heat-related illnesses. That includes staying hydrated and drinking more water and fluids than you think you need during hot and humid days. If you are waiting to drink when you are already thirsty, then dehydration has already begun.
People should drink water or sports drinks and avoid liquids containing large amounts of sugar. Also avoid hot and heavy meals as they will add heat to the body. People should also minimize their time outdoors, but when they do go outside they should wear sunscreen and reapply it when needed, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing along with a brimmed hat and take breaks in cool locations.
To that end, the Town will have its cooling centers open this week.
The Greenwich Public Safety Complex’s Margenot Atrium will be open 24 hours every day. These facilities will be available to any resident who needs a respite from the heat and humidity.
The Bendheim Western Greenwich and Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Centers will be open their regular hours, as will Town Hall and all can be used as a cooling center.
Greenwich Library and the Byram Shubert branch as well as the Perrot Memorial Library are also available, but Cos Cob Library is currently unavailable as a cooling center due to ongoing renovations.
Cooling centers:
Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Ave.:
· 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.: Monday through Friday
· 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Saturday
· 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Sunday
Perrot Memorial Library, 90 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich:
· 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
· 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Tuesday and Thursday
· 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Saturday
· Closed on Sunday
Byram Shubert Library, 21 Mead Ave., Byram:
· 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Monday through Wednesday
· Noon – 8 p.m.: Thursday
· 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Friday and Saturday
· Closed on Sunday
Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center, 449 Pemberwick Road:
· 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.: Monday through Friday
· 9 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Saturday
· 9 a.m. – 5: 30 p.m.: Sunday
Greenwich Public Safety Complex, 11 Bruce Place:
· 24 hours
Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road:
· 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Weekdays
· Closed on Saturday and Sunday
If you haven’t, please register for Greenwich Emergency Alerts at www.GreenwichAlerts.org to receive emergency messages about hazardous weather or a large-scale emergency impacting the Town.
The Greenwich Department of Health reminds residents that heat-related illnesses are a public health threat and that all residents, especially persons who are young, elderly or have medical conditions and /or use medications that impede body temperature regulation, those who do not have air conditioning, or those whose work requires outdoor activities should pay special attention to the weather.
During these times of high heat, children and pets should limit the amount of they spend outdoors in the sun, except for brief stays outdoors.
Always avoid direct sunlight exposure and give your pets plenty of water to drink.
Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle even if the windows are open and do not leave food items in the car or outdoors as food spoils quickly. It is also important to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses that can become medical emergencies.
Heat stroke is also called “sunstroke.” The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, stops working. The skin is flushed, hot and dry, and body temperature may be elevated. The victim may also be confused, develop seizures, breathe shallowly and have a weak or rapid pulse. This is the most serious heat-related illness and people exhibiting these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention by calling 911.
Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms resulting from heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe heat-related illness, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble coping with heat and should be treated immediately with rest and fluids. Stretching or direct pressure can also reduce cramps. Unless very severe, heat cramps do not require emergency medical attention.
Heat Exhaustion occurs when body fluids are lost through heavy sweating due to vigorous exercise or working in a hot, humid place. Symptoms include: sweating; pale, clammy skin; fatigue; headache; dizziness; shallow breaths; and a weak or rapid pulse. Victims of heat exhaustion are tired but not confused. The condition should be treated with rest in a cool area, drinking water or electrolyte solutions, elevating the feet 12 inches, and further medical treatment in severe cases. If not treated,
the victim’s condition may escalate to heat stroke. If the victim does not respond to basic treatment, seek medical attention.
HEAT TERMS:
• Heat Advisory: When the heat index exceeds 100°F for less than three hours a day for two consecutive days.
• Heat Index: An indicator, in degrees Fahrenheit, of how it feels when humidity is factored into air temperature.
• Heat Wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat often combined with excessive humidity.
• Excessive Heat Warning: When the heat index is expected to exceed 115°F or when it exceeds 100°F for three or more hours for two consecutive days.
• Heat Watch: A long-term alert for excessive heat.
• Ozone Advisory: Issued when ozone levels are expected to exceed dangerous levels. People should be especially careful to avoid strenuous activity, especially those with respiratory problems such as asthma.
TIPS TO STAYING COOL:
• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.
• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. The sun will also heat the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible to prevent sunburn.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors and use a buddy system when working in extreme heat. Exposure to heat can cloud judgment. If you work alone, you may not notice.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly and very young people. Give your body a chance to adjust to extreme temperature changes.
