The State of Connecticut has activated its hot weather protocol effective noon today, Aug. 11, and it will remain in effect until at least Thursday, Aug. 14, at 8 p.m. The heat index values are expected to exceed 100 degrees this week, with the highest temperatures expected on Wednesday and Thursday.
First Selectman Fred Camillo is urging residents to be cautious with their health, limit exposure for themselves and their pets during this heat wave and to check in on vulnerable friends and loved ones.
Greenwich will have several cooling stations around Town open this week for those seeking relief from the heat. Greenwich Emergency Management is reminding residents to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty, limit outdoor activities and stay indoors during peak hours when temperatures are highest, do not leave children or pets inside vehicles and be extra cautious with older adults and young children, especially those with health conditions.
According to the State of Connecticut, temperatures will reach into the 90s on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and potentially again on Thursday. But the heat index value could make it feel even hotter.
Other safety tips include avoiding alcohol and carbonated beverages during high temperatures and making sure you have access to an air conditioner or fan. Being in a cool environment can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
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. 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.
Please make use of the Town’s available cooling centers if needed.
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.
The full list of cooling centers and their hours is available online here:
https://www.greenwichct.gov/2366/Emergency-Warming-Cooling-Centers
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, which is also called “sunstroke,” occurs when a person’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.
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.
