The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the state and Mayor Harry Rilling has opened Cooling Centers in Norwalk. The Main Branch Library (1 Belden Ave.), SoNo Branch Library (10 Washington St.), and the Norwalk Police Department Community Room (1 Monroe St.) are available for residents. The Libraries are open 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and the NPD Community Room is open 24 hours a day. Those who visit a Cooling Center are asked to wear a mask or face covering and stay socially distanced from those not from the same household. 

Residents can expect high temperatures in the mid-90s with moderate to high humidity over the next few days. The heat index will be between 95 – 105 degrees through Wednesday. The heat index measures how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with air temperature. 

These hot and humid conditions may cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke for persons working outdoors. The elderly, young children, and pets are especially vulnerable to the heat. Remember to take frequent breaks if working outside and drink plenty of water to beat the heat. 

The following tips can help you stay cool during the hot days ahead: 

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
• Be mindful. Never leave persons, especially children, and pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes cooling down much more difficult.
• Stay cool. If no air conditioning or fans are in your home, consider visiting with friends or family that have air-conditioning or one of the City’s Cooling Centers.  

For additional resources about summer and heat safety, visit norwalkct.org.