Community Corner

Governor Urges Residents to Take Precautions as Temperature Rises

Community Center and Library set up as cooling stations.

With an excessive heat watch issued for most of the state for the next three days and the heat index possibly reaching as high as 110 degrees, Governor Dannel P. Malloy is asking people to take precautions and to call 2-1-1 if they need information on cooling centers in their town or city.

The town has taken steps to aid people who need cooling off and don't have air conditioning. The community center is open from 1 to 8 p.m. today and residents can go there to cool off.

On Friday, the Berlin-Peck Library will act as a cooling center from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. as these are expected to be the highest temperatures of the day.

Find out what's happening in Berlinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We are asking the public to take precautions during this heat wave. The combination of heat and humidity will result in poor air quality and dangerous conditions for the elderly, young children, and those people with respiratory conditions,” Malloy said. “Drinking lots of water and taking cool showers can help lower body temperature, and residents of all ages should call 2-1-1 to find a place to cool down should they need to. For those with elderly neighbors, please consider checking in on them during this extreme heat as well.”

With temperatures the next three days expected to reach into the high 90s inland, people are urged to take extra precautions. There also is an air quality alert for the region.

Find out what's happening in Berlinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The National Weather Service reported 13 heat-related deaths across the country as a result of the intense heat and humidity this week.

“Hot and sticky weather is a part of life in Connecticut during the summer months, but the combination of high temperatures and high levels of humidity we’ll be experiencing over the next few days can be downright dangerous,” Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Rueben F. Bradford said. “Limit your outdoor exposure, and if you do need to go outside, make sure to wear sunscreen and drink lots of water. We’re also reminding people to avoid leaving children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or vehicle during periods of intense summer heat.”

People are also reminded to check on family, friends and neighbors, especially those you know who could be at greater risk.

“Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen said. “It’s important to regularly check on infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, and others who you know may be at greatest risk due to the heat.”

To reduce the risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency - call 911.

The record tempeature in Connecticut for Thursday and Friday is 101.


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