Governor Ned Lamont has directed the Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather
Protocol to be activated effective at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, and remain in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
The current forecast indicates that temperatures over this period could rise into the 90s and higher. This is the first time this year that the protocol is being activated.
Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can affect your health. Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with a chronic medical condition.
Meriden will have 2 city buildings designated as cooling centers for the public.
The Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, will be open Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 8:30pm, and Friday and Saturday from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
The Meriden Senior Center (lower level – Hanover Street entrance) will be open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 to 4:30pm.
Both locations are closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. The Library and Senior Center are also closed every Sunday.
Take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
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 shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers statewide.)
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.
Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods extreme heat because bodies lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common while experiencing 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.
Attached is further helpful hot weather information further tips in English and Spanish.