Cooling centers reopen this week

TORRINGTON — The City of Torrington has the following cooling centers available this week, according to a press release. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the city hall auditorium at 140 Main St. is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The Sullivan Senior Center at 88 East Albert St. is also open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for residents age 60 and over.

“We are asking everyone to take precautions during the forecast periods of extreme heat,” said Torrington Fire Chief Peter Towey, in a written statement.

The following guidelines are recommended by the department and FEMA:

Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.

Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.

If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.

Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as this could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature

Avoid high-energy activities.

Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.

Additional information and recommendations may be located at https://www.ready.gov/heat

To keep your home cool, cover windows with drapes or shades. Weather-strip doors and windows. Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside. Add insulation to keep the heat out. Use a powered attic ventilator, orattic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing hot air. Install window air conditioners and insulate around them. Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness. For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html.

Heat-related illnesses have warning signs: Muscle pains or spasms inthe stomach, arms, or legs. Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

Signs of heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cr amps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.

Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Signs of heat stroke: Extremely high bodytemperature (above 103 degrees) indicated by an oral thermometer; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; and unconsciousness. Call 9-1-1 or get theperson to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

Go to Ready.gov and search for extreme heat. Download the FEMA app to get more information about preparing for extreme heat.

Towey can be reached at 860-489-2257 or peter_ towey@torringtonct.org