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The National Weather Service is forecasting a multi-day heat wave for next week. Hot and humid conditions are expected, with heat index values exceeding 100F on Wednesday and Thursday. This will likely be the hottest stretch of weather Connecticut has experienced so far this summer. In response, Governor Ned Lamont has authorized the activation of the Extreme Heat Weather Protocol from 12:00 PM Monday, August 11th through 8:00 PM Thursday, August 14th. (Sunday is forecast to hit 90 degrees but the humidity should be fairly low.) Please be aware that there may be a need to extend the protocol past Thursday as forecast confidence increases; there are some signals this heat may carry right into the weekend.
Municipalities, please submit updated cooling center information in the WebEOC Daily Operations Incident. United Way 211 will post the center locations and provide information on the 211 website, etc.
Thank you all for what you do to keep Connecticut’s residents and visitors safe.
Cooling centers will be available throughout the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by viewing the list that will be published online at 211ct.org or calling 2-1-1.
This is the third time the protocol has been activated this year.
“We’re advising our most vulnerable populations, including seniors and those who have certain disabilities or medical conditions, that the next several days are going to be hotter and more humid than normal and they should take precautions to stay hydrated and cool,” Governor Lamont said. “We’re working with our municipalities and nonprofit partners to open cooling centers. If you have a loved one or neighbor who may need a little extra support, please check on them during this period to make sure they are safe.”
The following actions are implemented while Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is enacted:
- 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 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 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 location. (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.
Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during 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.
If you have any questions about the policies for access to shelter in your area, please contact info@cceh.org.
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