Heat Advisory In Effect Through Saturday [Update]

(Editor's note: This article was updated to include information from the New Canaan Police Department.)

With an excessive heat watch issued for most of the state for the next three days, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is asking people to take precautions and to call 2-1-1 if they need information on cooling centers in their town or city.

The National Weather Service is predicting the heat index could be as high as 110 degrees as temperatures and humidity increase between now and Saturday. (Please see accompanying chart to calculate the heat index.)

“We are asking the public to take precautions during this heat wave. The combination of heat and humidity will result in poor air quality and dangerous conditions for the elderly, young children, and those people with respiratory conditions,” said Malloy. “Drinking lots of water and taking cool showers can help lower body temperature, and residents of all ages should call 2-1-1 to find a place to cool down should they need to.  For those with elderly neighbors, please consider checking in on them during this extreme heat as well.”

Sgt. Carol Ogrinc of the said there have been no heat-related incidents reported in New Canaan since Tuesday morning, but she urges residents to take precautions in the high heat and humidity.

"I did notice that out of the 10 medical assist calls from the morning of July 19 through late evening of July 20, six of the 10 calls involved falls where the person was elderly. I'm not sure if the excessive heat is contributing to those falls," she said in an e-mail to Patch.
"I would ask that people check on the elderly whether they are relatives living close by or in another state or town, or are neighbors."

Ogrinc said a visit in person is always best, but a quick phone call will be helpful, too.

"Pets should not be left outdoors for extended periods of time or in a vehicle (even for a few minutes!)," she wrote.

Ogrinc said New Canaan's Emergency Operations Center could be activated to assist residents if it is needed.

“Hot and sticky weather is a part of life in Connecticut during the summer months, but the combination of high temperatures and high levels of humidity we’ll be experiencing over the next few days can be downright dangerous,” said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Rueben F. Bradford. “Limit your outdoor exposure, and if you do need to go outside, make sure to wear sunscreen and drink lots of water. We’re also reminding people to avoid leaving children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or vehicle during periods of intense summer heat.”

“Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen. “It’s important to regularly check on infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, and others who you know may be at greatest risk due to the heat.” 

2-1-1 is continually updating the list of available cooling centers. Dial 2-1-1 or search www.211ct.org to find a center.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has forecasted unhealthy air quality due to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution throughout all of Connecticut for Thursday, July 21, 2011 and Friday July 22, 2011. 

A forecast of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (Code Orange) has been issued due to high concentrations of ground-level ozone for Thursday, July 21, 2011 and possible “Unhealthy” levels (Code Red) by Friday July 22, 2011 when the core of hottest air mass moves into the region.  

Link to current Air Quality Levels in CT: http://www.epa.gov/airnow/current/ct-aqi_current_hour.gif