List of Norwalk Cooling Centers and Tips to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
Cooling Centers Open; Mayor Moccia and City Officials Urge Businesses and Residents to Take Health Precautions during Extreme Heat
NORWALK, Connecticut (July 15, 2013) -- As Norwalk and surrounding communities face a heat wave in the coming days, Mayor Richard A. Moccia and other city officials urge residents to protect themselves from extreme heat and recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness. Cooling centers at all Norwalk libraries will be open during normal business hours, Monday through Saturday.
Main Branch ( 1 Belden Avenue )
Monday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 12:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
South Norwalk Branch ( 10 Washington Street )
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday 12:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
East Norwalk Library ( 51 Van Zant Street )
Monday – Friday 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Rowayton Library ( 33 Highland Avenue )
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Other great places to seek air conditioning include retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, or visiting family and friends.
Heat Safety Tips
The following tips from the Norwalk Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management 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 or juice 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.
•Never leave persons, especially children, and pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
•Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.
•Cooling centers: If you do not have air conditioning or fans in your home, access the City's cooling centers (see above).
High temperatures experienced in the summer months increase the risk of several serious health effects. Heat illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash. The elderly, infants, persons with impaired mobility, psychological illnesses or alcoholism, chronic diseases, and/or those taking diuretics, antipsychotic drugs, and muscle relaxants are most at risk, but anyone can suffer from these illnesses.
Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature of 105° F or higher; hot, dry, red spotted skin; mental confusion; loss of consciousness; and convulsions. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, if you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Heat exhaustion is when the body loses too much fluid. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, headache, and nausea. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to heat stroke. Do not give salt tablets to someone who has these symptoms.
For more information, call the City of Norwalk 's customer service information line (203) 854-3200 or go to: www.norwalkct.org.