Extreme Heat Advisory Issued In Westport

Information from Westport Office of Emergency Management:

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Office of Emergency Management is advising residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to take precautions ahead of the extreme temperatures that are forecast to impact the state beginning Tuesday, September 5th at 12:00pm. Governor Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol through Thursday, September 7th at 8:00pm. The current forecast indicates that temperatures over this period will rise close to or into the low 90s, and the heat index is expected to reach into the mid-90s in certain inland areas of the state.

“We may have thought that the hot summer temperatures were over for the season, but it looks like we are getting another stretch of heat this week,” Governor Lamont said.

“Anyone vulnerable to the heat is advised to take precautions. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat is encouraged to visit their nearest cooling center,” said Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Nick Marsan. “As the temperature heats up over the next few days, it’s important for everyone to take necessary precautions, especially for the elderly, the very young, and people with respiratory ailments who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures,” Marsan continued.

The following cooling centers are open in Westport:

Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Avenue

Mon- Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm

Closed on Sat & Sun

MoCa Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike

Thurs - Sun 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road

Tues – Thurs 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Fri – Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sun 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Westport Weston Family YMCA, 14 Allen Raymond Lane

Tues – Fri 5:30 am – 9:00 pm

Sat-Sun 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Westport Museum for History and Culture, 25 Avery Place

Tues – Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Closed on Sun & Mon

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.

• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

Stay cool: 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.
• 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.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.

Stay Hydrated: Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat

• 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.

— Westport Office of Emergency Management and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention