Simsbury Activates Heat Protocols, Opens Cooling Center

Town of Simsbury

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury officials Monday issued a heat alert to its residents, urging folks to stay safe and offering the local library, along with local parks, as a place to cool off this week.

Weather forecasts predict a heat wave beginning on Monday and lasting through Wednesday evening, July 30.

Temperatures during the heat wave will be intensely hot and humid, with highs of more than 90 degrees.

"We will approach 'extreme hot weather' criteria, meaning it will feel like it is over 100 degrees," wrote the Town of Simsbury on Monday.

"Due to the expected high temperatures predicted, the Town of Simsbury and the Department of Community and Social Services would like to remind residents of the best practices to stay cool."

They include:

• Try to stay inside where it is cool and utilize fans and air conditioning when available.

• Keeping your shades or curtains closed during the day will help keep your home cooler.

• If you must be outside, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure to the extent possible. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to be outside, so plan your day accordingly.

For those who need respite from the heat, the Simsbury Public Library is open during summer business hours: Monday to Thursday (9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.), Friday (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), and Saturday (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

Gov. Ned Lamont has activated Connecticut’s "Extreme Hot Weather Protocol," which will be in effect through Friday. Cooling centers are available.

Call Infoline at 211 or look online at 211ct.org to find the nearest location.

"We encourage you to take advantage of the many open spaces Simsbury has to offer. Suggested open spaces include the pavilions at Town Forest, Tariffville Park, Hop Brook Landing, and taking advantage of places with good tree canopies such as the trails in the Ethel Walker Woods and state parks located in town," wrote the Town of Simsbury.

Simsbury Farms Pool and Memorial Pool are also open.

Folks are also asked to check on elderly family members and neighbors, and never leave children or pets in an unattended vehicle.

For further information, or if you or someone you know is at risk due to the high temperatures, call the Simsbury Community and Social Services Department at 860-658-3283. The department does not monitor its phone line or voicemail messages during the weekend. For emergencies, call 911.