Milford Fire Dept. Officials Open Cooling Center Through Friday

MILFORD, CT – Milford Fire Department said Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be the hottest days, and to combat the heat, Milford Library will be used as a cooling center.

Fire officials said Wednesday and Thursday’s weather will be in the low 90s and a heat index (what the temperature feels like) in the mid-90s. Fire officials said a slight improvement is expected on Friday, with highs in the upper 80s and a heat index in the low 90’s.

Fire officials said Milford Library, 57 New Haven Ave., will be used as a cooling center during normal business hours Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Governor Ned Lamont announced that due to the weather forecast indicating hot and humid temperatures over the next several days, a Connecticut extreme hot weather protocol is in effect from 2 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday, July 7 at 8 p.m.

Governor Lamont’s office shared some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat, including:

Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) 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 several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should have access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. Because bodies lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common while experiencing very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

• 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.
• Remind others to drink enough water.