How to beat the heat

Norwalk sets up cooling centers during heat wave

NORWALK — With heat indexes projected to rise into the 100s this weekend, city officials are setting up cooling centers and warning residents to stay safe during the hot days.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning from 6 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Sunday.

“An excessive heat warning is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater,” the weather service said in a statement. “Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.”

In Norwalk, the Office of Emergency Management said the city’s biggest weather concern throughout the weekend will be the excessive heat.

“Extreme heat can cause illness and death among atrisk populations who cannot stay cool,” Michele DeLuca, deputy director, emergency management, said in a statement. “The excessive heat may quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke, especially during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.”

The Main and South Norwalk libraries will be set up as cooling centers, along with the community room at the Norwalk Police Department. For more information on cooling centers in the area, contact United Way/Infoline at 211.

The Office of Emergency Management also listed tips for residents to stay cool during the next few days, which include: dressing properly for the heat,

drinking water, eating small meals, slowing down, staying indoors when possible, checking on neighbors, particularly families, the elderly and those in need, avoiding extra sun, contacting the electric provider if there is a power outage and staying calm.

The National Weather Service said seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are most at risk.

Eversource said in a statement that it is prepared to handle the increased demand for this weekend.

“We prepare yearround to meet the increased demand and to ensure that our system is ready to handle additional electricity needs that come with a heat wave,” Eversource President of Regional Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom said in a statement. “This includes conducting detailed inspections of the overhead and underground systems in advance of the extreme heat to detect and resolve any issues ahead of time so that our customers have the energy they need for every moment of their lives, even in the face of potentially recordbreaking heat.”

For more information and resources, visit norwalkct.org or ready.gov.

Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media Leo Silbasadder, 3, of Norwalk, beats the heat by playing at the splash pad at Calf Pasture Beach on Friday in Norwalk. Southwestern Connecticut is facing a heat wave this weekend, with health officials warning residents to stay inside and stay cool as temperatures get close to 100 degrees.

Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media Beachgoers including Norwalk residents Ana Rodriguez and her mother, Marlene Moriena, beat the heat at Calf Pasture Beach on Friday in Norwalk. Southwestern Connecticut is facing a heat wave this weekend, with health officials warning residents to stay inside and stay cool as temperatures get close to 100 degrees.

Beachgoers including Eiko Rikuhashi beat the heat at Calf Pasture Beach.

Norwalk resident Alex Semidey and his daughter, Riley Semidey, 7, beat the heat by having a water gun fight at Calf Pasture Beach.