(Norwalk, Conn.) Today, August 2, 2022, Mayor Rilling issued a Heat Advisory for the City of Norwalk through Friday, August 5, due to high levels of humidity and expected hot temperatures through the week. He also shared details on cooling centers that will be available throughout the community and how residents can call 2-1-1 to locate their nearest cooling center.
The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory from 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 4 to 8:00 PM Friday, August 5, in several locations in Connecticut, including southern Fairfield County. It noted that heat index values are expected in the middle and upper 90s and that hot temperatures and high humanity can potentially cause heat-related illness.
“Given the increased heat and humidity in the weather forecast this week, I want to remind everyone to stay hydrated and in cool locations,” said Mayor Harry Rilling. “If your home doesn’t have air conditioning or you need a place to stay cool, Norwalk has several cooling centers, such as the Main Branch Library, SoNo Branch Library and the Norwalk Police Department Community Room. Please also remember to check on those most vulnerable to extreme heat during this period. Maybe that’s your friends, family members, neighbors or pets.”
The City encourages residents to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations to monitor those at high risk from extreme heat. While anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, some people are at greater risk than others:
- Infants and young children
- People 65 years of age or older
- People who are overweight
- People who overexert during work or exercise
- People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation
- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
- Drink water. Carry water with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
- Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
- Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
- Be mindful. Never leave persons, especially children, and pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes cooling down much more difficult.
- Stay cool. If no air conditioning or fans are in your home, consider visiting with friends or family that have air-conditioning or one of the City’s Cooling Centers mentioned above.
- Norwalk Library- Main Branch (1 Belden Avenue)
- Monday- Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 10AM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday, 10AM–7PM
- South Norwalk Branch (10 Washington Street)
- Monday, and Wednesday- Saturday: 10AM - 5:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, 11:30 AM – 7PM
- The Norwalk Police Department Community Room (1 Monroe Street)
- Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Original source can be found here.
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