To Help Beat The Oppressive Heat, Town Opens Cooling Stations

BRANFORD, CT —Following the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol activated by Gov. Ned Lamont Monday, the town opened cooling stations to ensure vulnerable residents have protection available from the heat now through Wednesday.

As extreme heat and humidity is expected to impact our area over the next several days, the town
has announced that the following locations will serve as cooling centers for the remainder of the
week during this extreme heat event:

The locations are:

• Community Center, 46 Church St., Monday through Wednesday, July 8-10, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Monday through Wednesday, July 8-10, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library located at 146 Thimble Island Road. Monday through Wednesday (July 8-10) from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Important reminders:

• 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.
• Rest often in shady areas.
• Find an air-conditioned shelter. 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 often.
• Provide access to water and shade for pets that cannot be brought indoors.
• 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.
• DO NOT leave children, disabled persons or pets in vehicles.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call 2-1-1 to get connected to additional
services.