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New Haven's older residents keep cool at senior center as temperatures rise

Outside is scorching, but inside the designated cooling centers in New Haven, there's air conditioning, plenty of water, and plenty of fun.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Another hot and humid day in New Haven with temperatures in the 90s brought the city's older residents to cooling centers in the area.

"The center is open, they think the center is closed, no it is open," said Eneida Arroyo, Elderly Services Specialist with the City of New Haven. 

Outside is scorching, but inside the designated cooling centers in New Haven, there's air conditioning, plenty of water, and plenty of fun.

"I drink over 20 of these," said Aurelia Matos of New Haven, drinking a water cup. 

RELATED: Extreme heat in the United Kingdom similar to 2021 heat wave in the Pacific Northwest

Of the eight cooling centers in the city, Atwater Senior Center is open exclusively for residents 55 and older to cool down, the only bilingual center in the Elm City. 

The staff works hard to keep the elderly community safe during the hot summer days. 

"We want to make sure everyone is drinking more water than usual but even if you’re not thirsty, still making sure you’re taking a couple of sips throughout the day," said Tomi Veale, acting Elderly Services Director in New Haven. "If we find ourselves being a little more tired during the day it’s time to hydrate and relax and calm down." 

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The Atwater Center sees around 50 people per day, many of who rely on the site as their only source of cool air. 

"Some people don’t have any air conditioning at all and some people have nothing to eat so they have a lunch and snacks here," said Matos. 

RELATED: 'Expecting to see demand reach its highest level of the year': Utilities ready for heat wave

The Centers provide transportation to and from the building, meals and activities for seniors, welcoming anyone in the community who needs to cool off or needs a new friend. 

"Our services go beyond the doors of the senior center but outside in the community as well," said Matos. 

For more information on other cooling centers open this week, click here

Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram

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