Simsbury Offers Heat Safety Tips To Stay Cool

Town of Simsbury

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury officials this week are offering some final tips to deal with what be the summer's final hot spell of 2023.

With 90-plus degree temperatures, with a heat index even higher, expected through Thursday and, perhaps, Friday, Simsbury is offering advice about options for sweaty residents.

"We will approach 'heat advisory' criteria on Thursday and Friday, meaning it will feel like it is more like 100 degrees," wrote the town.

As a result, the Town of Simsbury and the Simsbury Department of Community and Social Services is reminding residents of the best practices to stay cool, especially since August was, well, like September in the temperature department.

"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," wrote the town.

"If you must be outside, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure to the extent possible.

As with every heat wave, town leaders said early mornings and evenings are the best times to be outside.

Should folks need respite from the heat, the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St., is open during normal business hours: Monday through 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.).

Governor Ned Lamont has activated the hot weather protocol and cooling centers are available.

Should someone need a cooling center, call Infoline at 211 or look online at 211ct.org to find
the nearest location.

Simsbury also has some public parks available to enjoy the last gasps of summer.

Suggested open spaces include the pavilions at Town Forest, Tariffville Park and Hop Brook Landing (the Flower Bridge), and taking advantage of places with good tree canopies such as the trails in the Ethel Walker Woods and state parks located in town.

There's even swimming available as well, with public swimming pools at the Simsbury Farms Pool, 100 Old Farms Road, Simsbury.

Public swimming is available Monday through Friday (1 to 8 p.m.), Saturday and Sunday (noon to 6 p.m.)

The Memorial Wading Pool, 22 Plank Hill Road, is available Monday through Saturday (10:30 a.m. to noon.)

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

For further information, call the Simsbury Community and Social Services Department at 860-
658-3283. The Department does not monitor their phone line or voice mail messages during the
weekend. For emergencies call 911.