It's A Heat Wave Out There

1. Good morning Thursday. It’s going to be a hot and sunny one with the high temperature expected to reach 98 degrees, according to The Weather Channel. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low temperature of 71 degrees.


2. Emergency management officials announced that during this heatwave, the Town of East Windsor is opening cooling centers at the following locations:

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Broad Brook side of town:

125 Main Street
Broad Brook, CT  06016


From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Warehouse Point side of town:

25 School Street
East Windsor, CT  06088

Individuals with cooling needs outside of the normal hours posted can contact the East Windsor Police Department at 860-292-8240.

3. Governor Dannel P. Malloy is reminding residents to be cautious during periods of intense heat during the summer months.
 
“A few simple steps can greatly reduce heat-related issues, especially for the elderly, the very young and people with respiratory ailments who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures,” Malloy said.  “Many towns are opening cooling centers across the state.  Any resident looking for a place to cool off should call 2-1-1 to find out where their closest cooling center is located.”
 
The National Weather Service has issued Heat Advisories for all of Connecticut for Wednesday and Thursday, with Heat Index Temperatures between 100F – 110F on both days.
 
Here are some tips to follow:
 

• Slow down, and avoid strenuous activity.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.

• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.

• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.

• Stay indoors as much as possible.

• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body.

• Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.

• Cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.

• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.

• Do not leave pets outside for extended periods. Make sure pets have plenty of drinking water.

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors regularly.

4. First Selectman Wawruck said Wednesday that the Town of Windsor Locks is pleased to announce the addition of a “grass clipping” drop site located within the existing leaf composting site on Old County Road.

He said that through great efforts on behalf of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Public Works, the town is able to provide an environmentally safe and user friendly area for the residents to dispose of their grass clippings as an alternative to using the paper leaf bags that are picked up curbside.

Wawruck praised Public Works Director Scott Lappen in securing the proper certificates from DEEP that will allow residents to enjoy this added benefit.  He thanked Lappen for working within his operating budget to enhance the leaf site to accommodate the resident’s needs.

5. On This Day in: 1788, the U.S. Constitution went into effect when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it; 1939, Lou Gehrig quit baseball due to illness; and 1989, The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag as a form of political protest was protected by the First Amendment