HARTFORD–Governor Ned Lamont has directed that Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol be activated at noon today and run through at least Friday, July 18, at 8:00 p.m.

During this period, temperatures are expected to reach into the 90s and very humid conditions will push the heat index to near or above 100 degrees each day.

Lamont said that anyone who needs help coping with conditions — particularly the elderly and those with health concerns — should visit the state’s 211ct.org website or call 2-1-1 for assistance.

Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan, who also serves as Westport’s Emergency Management Director, said “The forecast ahead is serious, The state’s protocol is a proactive measure to protect those most vulnerable to extreme heat. In Westport, we’ve activated cooling centers and are monitoring conditions closely. Please check in on neighbors, limit outdoor activity, and use available resources if you need relief from the heat.”

Cooling Centers Available in Westport

• Westport Center for Senior Activities (21 Imperial Ave)
Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (Closed weekends)

• MoCA Westport (19 Newtown Turnpike)
Closed until Thursday; Thurs 12 PM–8 PM

• The Westport Library (20 Jesup Rd)
Mon–Thurs 9 AM–9 PM; Fri–Sat 9 AM–5 PM; Sun 1 PM–5 PM

• Westport Weston YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane)
Mon–Fri 5:30 AM–9 PM; Sat–Sun 7 AM–6 PM

• Westport Museum for History and Culture (25 Avery Pl):
Thurs–Sat 11 AM–5 PM

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, the state advises that some people are at greater risk than others:

• Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

• Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned location. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

The state reminds everyone to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Remind others to drink enough water.