Gov. Ned Lamont has enacted Connecticut’s Hot Weather Protocol as the state will be under an ‘Extreme Heat Warning’ beginning at noon on Tuesday, June 18 through noon on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Courtesy image (we-ha.com file)

By Ronni Newton

The Town of West Hartford is urging the community to exercise caution and check in on elderly neighbors over the next several days amid soaring temperatures expected to be well into the 90s and a heat index forecast to reach as high as 106ºF.

The National Weather Service has also issued a “Excessive Heat Watch” for the West Hartford area which is in effect from noon Tuesday through Friday evening, noting that there will not be much relief during the overnight hours either with temperatures expected to remain in the 70s.

“It’s looking like we are about to experience our first stretch of very hot conditions so far this year, and it’s going to last for nearly a week,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. “Anyone who is vulnerable to heat and humidity is advised to take precautions. Cooling centers are open throughout Connecticut and can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211ct.org.”

West Hartford does not have a specific facility reserved as a cooling center, but town officials said that residents can seek refuge to cool off at the public libraries and senior centers, as well as the town’s pools and splash pads. Locations and hours are listed on the town’s website. Malls and movie theaters are also suggested as air conditioned locations where people can cool off.

“During this upcoming period of extreme heat, it is important to take proactive steps to ensure your safety and well-being,” the town said in an announcement. “High temperatures can pose significant health risks, especially to vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.”

Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in a news release distributed Monday morning, also urged residents to take precautionary measures during the extreme heat. She also highlighted a new tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where residents can easily input their zip code to view the real-time heat risk in their respective counties. The DPH website – ct.gov/dph – provides a link to access the CDC HeatRisk Tool.

Safety tips provided by the town and state include the following:

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
• Drink plenty of fluids (two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside) to stay hydrated, and remind others to drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcoholic or sugary beverages.
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade.
• Reduce electrical consumption by operating major appliances such as washing machines and dryers or dishwashers in the evenings after peak hours.
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Keep updated with local weather forecasts and heat advisories. The town urges all West Hartford residents to sign up to receive emergency alerts.

Other tips include keeping windows covered with drapes, blinds, or shades and using window reflectors that are designed to reflect heat back outside. Insulation around window air conditioners help them operate more effectively.

Eversource also issued a statement Monday morning. “Our crews are focused on working safely to ensure reliable electric service for our customers year-round, especially during these hot and humid days when many customers will have their fans and AC units running in full force,” said Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan. “We begin preparing well in advance for the increased demand we typically see this time of year by conducting ground and aerial inspections of the electrical system so we can proactively detect and address any issues. As we all use more energy during the summer months, we also want to make sure our customers are aware of the simple steps they can take to help manage their usage and save money on their electric bills.”

More information on preparedness and tips to stay cool can also be found on the Ready.gov site.

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