HARTFORD, Conn. — The cooling centers and other extreme hot weather protocols were activated Monday afternoon in anticipation of the season’s first heat wave this week.
The weather forecast indicates that temperatures across Connecticut will reach more than 95 degrees over the next several days with the heat index expected to go over triple digits at a time.
As such, Gov. Ned Lamont directed the state’s extreme hot weather protocols to be activated beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Sunday.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that Connecticut’s most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, state agencies, municipalities, and other partners can coordinate with United Way 211 to make sure that information recording cooling centers are available statewide.
Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to find their nearest location.
“We’re about to experience our first heat wave of the year that over the next several days will bring very hot conditions, especially during the peak sunlight hours of the day,” Lamont said in a statement. “I strongly urge anyone who needs a place to cool off to call 2-1-1 to find their nearest available cooling center."
He continued: "Everyone should take the necessary precautions as the heat rises over the next several days. A few steps can greatly reduce heat-related issues, especially for the elderly, the very young, and people with respiratory ailments who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures.”
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses, infants, young children and people 65 and older can be at a greater risk than others.
State officials reminded residents to stay hydrated during the upcoming periods of extreme heat.
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