Wilton Cooling Center Opens As CT Activates Extreme Weather Protocol

WILTON, CT — Town health officials have announced the opening of a cooling center as the area enters a stretch of very hot weather.

Gov. Ned Lamont has activated the state's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol effective noon Tuesday, June 18, through noon Sunday, June 23.

The National Weather Service is calling for temperatures in Wilton to climb steadily throughout the week, topping out at 95 degrees on Thursday. The tropical forecast has resulted in NWS issuing a heat advisory for the city and its surrounding areas.

In Wilton, the Comstock Community Center at 180 School Road will be open as a cooling center Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. through 8:00 p.m.

"Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat is encouraged to visit Comstock, especially for the elderly and people with respiratory ailments who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures," said fire chief and Emergency Management Director Jim Blanchfield. "Cooling center rooms will be posted on Comstock's information board or staff will assist as needed."

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. State health officials warn that:

• 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 are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• 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:

• 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. 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 be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods 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.