Newtown’s offices of the First Selectman, Emergency Management, and the Health District are offering the following information to prevent local residents from becoming victims of the heat during these days of extremely high temperatures.

The weather forecast is for very hot temperatures rising into the 90s Saturday through Tuesday, July 18-21.

COVID-19 precautions apply to all. This means social distancing, wearing a face covering when in public places with personal interactions or where social distancing cannot be accomplished, and thorough and frequent hand hygiene.

Residents should feel free to visit the locations below, designated as Cooling Centers, to seek relief from the heat:

Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street (telephone 203-270-4349).

The center is currently open Monday through Thursday, 6 am-9 pm; Friday, 6 am-8 pm; Saturday, 7 am-5:30 pm; and Sunday, 7 am- 5 pm.

Residents are urged to call ahead to be sure the timing of their visit can be properly accommodated.

Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, can be visited Monday through Friday between 7 am and 5 pm.

Safety Tips

In order to avoid the worst of the heat, the following tips are offered:

*Do shopping, errands, etc as early as possible. Grocery stores are full of healthy choices and have air-conditioning, as do most local businesses;

*Check on any elderly or frail neighbors to be certain they are doing OK in this weather. Neighbors may suggest to elderly and/or frail residents that they visit either of the Cooling Centers mentioned above if their residence is overheated;

*Monitor your pets. Keep them out of the sun, do not leave them in cars, even with the windows open, and be sure they have plenty of water.

*Drink plenty of water;

*Avoid strenuous activities;

*Take frequent rests for cooling down in an air conditioned area or near a fan;

*Wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing;

*Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Eat lightly throughout the day rather than large, heavy meals.

*Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or long periods in the sun, especially between the hours of 12 noon and 4 pm, which are the hottest hours during the day.

Heat Related Illness Symptoms

Heat related illness has some common symptoms that should be watched for, including:

*Dry Red Spotted Skin

*Body temp. at or above 105 degrees F

*Weakness

*Headache

*Nausea

*Fatigue

*Dizziness

*Mental Confusion

*Cramps

*Rash

If these symptoms are experienced, move to a cooler location, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, and sip water. If the condition persists, call 911.

Helpful Phone Numbers

*The Office of the First Selectman can be reached at 203-270-4201

*Emergency Management/Fire Marshal, 203-270-4370

*Health District, 203-270-4291

*Newtown Community Center, 203-270-4349