In light of the heat wave and high temperatures in our area this week, the Westport Office of Emergency Management advises residents to use caution when going outdoors.
“I’m worried people are not going to get the help they need. The anticipation of several days of hot and humid 90+ degree weather should not be taken lightly,” Deputy Chief Nick Marsan said. “Extreme heat is dangerous and can exacerbate underlying health conditions, and even lead to death. Knock on your neighbor’s door if they are elderly or vulnerable and ask them if they need help.”
Governor Ned Lamont is directing Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol to be activated beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, and remaining in effect through 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022. The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location to get some relief from the hot conditions.
The following Westport locations have been designated as cooling centers, please note the hours of operation below:
Center for Senior Activities : 21 Imperial Ave
Mon- Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Westport Museum for History and Culture: 25 Avery Place
Tues-Sun 11am-5pm/Thurs 11am-7pm
Westport/Weston Family Y: 14 Alan Raymond Lane
Mon-Sun 10am-6pm
Longshore Pool : Longshore Club Park, off S. Compo
Mon – Fri 12:30pm–8pm
Westport residents can purchase Handpasses at the Parks and Recreation Office or purchase online here. During the heat advisory, income-eligible residents may request a temporary pool pass by contacting Westport Human Services at 203-341-1050.
- 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.
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 from 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.
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