Cooling Centers Activated In Norwalk Due To 'Hot, Humid Weather' Forecast: City

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling announced Monday the city has activated its cooling centers throughout the community due to predicted "very hot and humid temperatures" this week.

In a news release provided by the city, Rilling said the cooling center activations will be effective Tuesday at noon and remain in effect through noon on Sunday.

On Friday, Governor Ned Lamont directed Connecticut's "extreme hot weather protocol" to be activated for the first time this year, according to Rilling.

"Starting [Tuesday] and through Sunday, I am activating Norwalk's cooling centers to ensure everyone has somewhere to stay cool when temperatures are projected to be very hot and humid," Rilling said in a news release. "I also want to remind everyone to please check on loved ones during these next several days, especially those who may be at greater risk to the heat, and make sure your pets aren't left outside for an extended period of time. Heat index values of this kind can cause heat-related illnesses among humans and animals, and I urge everyone to stay hydrated and cool."

As the remainder of the work week progresses, Norwalk will be entering into a hot and humid weather pattern, according to the city.

Norwalk will experience air temperatures in the mid to upper 80s, with heat indices pushing into the low-mid 90s. There will be heat peaks by the end of the week, with actual air temperatures rising in the low-mid 90s, according to the city.

Norwalk officials emphasized hot temperatures and high humidity can potentially cause heat-related illness, especially among vulnerable populations. The city encourages everyone to stay hydrated and limit strenuous exercise activities outdoors through Sunday.

Additionally, due to the high projected heat index values this week, the city of Norwalk's garbage and recycling collection will start at 6 a.m. rather than 7 a.m., Wednesday-Friday. The city recommends residents put their bins out the night before their scheduled pick-up to avoid confusion.

City officials also noted that while Wednesday, June 19, is Juneteenth, a state holiday, there will still be garbage and recycling collection on that day.

Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Anyone needing a place to get out of the heat can go to one of the following cooling centers across Norwalk:

The Norwalk Police Department Community Room (1 Monroe Street)

• Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Norwalk Library- Main Branch (1 Belden Avenue)

• Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, closed for Juneteenth
• Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

South Norwalk Library Branch (10 Washington Street)

Tuesday, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday, closed for Juneteenth
Thursday, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The city also recommends people without access to air-conditioning also consider going to non-official city cooling centers, such as visiting their friends or family who have air conditioning or going to the movies, the SoNo Collection Mall or other community spaces with air conditioning.

The city encourages residents to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendations to monitor those at high risk from the heat.

While anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, the following people are at greater risk than others:

• Infants and young children.
• People 65 years of age or older.
• People who are overweight.
• People who overexert during work or exercise.
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.

The following tips from the CDC can help you stay cool during the hot days ahead:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available where you are, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool; they circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
• Be mindful. Never leave people, especially children and pets, in a closed or parked vehicle.
• Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes cooling down much more difficult.
• Stay cool. If there is no air conditioning or fans in your home, consider visiting with friends or family who have air conditioning or one of the City's cooling centers mentioned above.

Residents can contact or visit the Norwalk Community Resource Hub at (203) 854-7999 during regular business hours at City Hall for resources and assistance. For overnight shelter assistance or other urgent help, please contact CT United Way/Infoline at 2-1-1.

More information is available at www.ready.gov/heat and at the city's Extreme Heat Alert webpage.