Stamford Designates Cooling Centers Ahead of Heat Wave

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Stamford officials are reminding residents that cooling centers have been opened to help with the extreme heat conditions expected over the next few days.

With temperatures continuing to stay in the 90s this week, Stamford officials are advising people without air conditioning in their homes to visit local cooling centers.
Photo Credit: *File*

K Reakes

07/21/2016 3:30 p.m.

Ted Jankowski, Stamford director of public safety, health and welfare, said residents and visitors shouldn't hesitate to take advantage of the centers if they feel too hot or are ill.

Designated Cooling Centers in Stamford include:

Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd., weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m., weekends as needed.
Glenbrook Community Center, 35 Crescent St., weekdays, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., weekends 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Jewish Community Center, 1035 Newfield Ave., Monday-Thursday, 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; weekends, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Chester Addison Community Center, 245 Selleck St., weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., weekends as needed.
Stamford Family YMCA, 10 Bell St., Monday-Thursday, 5 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 5 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jankowski also offers residents the following safety tips when dealing with high temperatures:

Know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke. They include: body temperature greater than or equal to 105 degrees; skin that is hot and dry with red spots; mental confusion; loss of consciousness, and convulsions. Note: If you are experiencing these symptoms, dial 911 or visit a hospital emergency room.
Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him/her how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar – these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the movies, shopping mall, public library or a friend’s house/apartment with air conditioning – even a few hours spent in an air-conditioned environment can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Never leave any person or pet in a closed, parked vehicle.
Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children need much more frequent watching. If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to early morning and evening hours.
Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Try to rest often in shady areas.

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