As Newtown moves through the next few sultry dog days of summer, state officials are instituting hot weather protocols while the region's main energy supplier says it is ready for prolonged periods of stepped-up demand as fans and air conditioning usage begins climbing along with the mercury.

Late Monday afternoon, July 18, Governor Ned Lamont announced that the heat index expected to go over triple digits at times over the next few days, so he is directing Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol to be activated through 8 pm on Sunday, July 24.

The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location to get some relief from the hot conditions.

Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 2-1-1 or look online at 211ct.org to find their nearest location.

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

Residents should feel free to visit the following locations to seek relief from the heat:

*The Municipal Center at Fairfield Hills, thru Friday from 7 am to 5 pm, and later on nights with public meetings.

*C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, through Thursday from 9:30 am to 8 pm — as well as Friday and Saturday 9:30 am to 5 pm

*Newtown Community Center - 203-270-4349 (Please call ahead to be sure the timing of your visit can be properly accommodated)

Through Thursday 6 am - 9 pm, Friday 6 am - 8 pm, Saturday 7 am - 5:30 pm, Sunday 7 am - 5 pm.

The following statewide actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:

*The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.

*Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.

*Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC in order to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.

The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, 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 shelter. (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.

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.

Eversource Is Ready

Over the next several days, Eversource knows air conditioners and fans will be working overtime at most homes and businesses. On average, Connecticut customers use 35% more electricity during the summer months to keep things cool when it’s sweltering outside.

Although high electricity usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, Eversource is prepared to meet that increased demand and its crews are ready to respond to any outages or issues that may arise.

“We begin preparing for the increased demand we typically see during the summer months well before the hot weather arrives,” said Eversource President of Electric Operations in Connecticut Steve Sullivan. “By conducting ground and aerial inspections of the overhead and underground electrical system in the cooler months, we can detect and address any issues in advance so that our customers have reliable service during these hot summer days and throughout the year.”

Three actions customers can take now to beat the heat this summer:

1. Use the new Cooling Calculator on Eversource.com. The tool helps customers understand how much electricity their current cooling system uses and the impact of small changes to temperature settings.

2. Sign up for a Home Energy Solutions in-home energy assessment and service. During the visit, a certified technician checks a customer’s home to identify places it can be tightened up to save money and energy. The technician will provide on-the-spot improvements like sealing up drafty doors and windows and closing air gaps around pipes and more to help keep the heat out and the cool air produced by your AC in the house. They’ll also discuss possible insulation upgrades. You’ll save on cooling during the summer and be ready for heating this winter, too.

3. Take advantage of the Kill A Watt electricity usage meter which shows how much power is being used by most home devices. The Kill A Watt kits are available for borrowing from nearly 200 libraries around the state. A list of participating libraries can be found at Eversource.com, here.

Additional tips for keeping temperatures and energy costs down in the summer:

*Keep air conditioners set at a moderate temperature that’s also comfortable. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1-3% less electricity. Using a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat can also help manage energy usage, especially when away from home.

*Don’t block air flow. Keep air vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs. For those with central air and floor vents, consider using vent deflectors to direct and increase the reach of cooled air. Keep air conditioner filters and coils clean. Dirty filters block air flow, reducing efficiency and making it harder to deliver the cool air.

*Keep blinds closed when it’s hot out to prevent unwanted heat from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.

*Switch to ENERGY STAR certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.

*Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the breeze more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Since ceiling fans cool only people and not the actual room; remember to turn the fan off when leaving the room.

*Cook dinner outside. Cooking indoors heats up the kitchen and makes cooling systems work harder, so opt for cooking outdoors instead.

*Look for the ENERGY STAR rating when purchasing new appliances. Also, be sure to choose the right size when purchasing an air conditioning unit. An oversized or undersized AC unit is less effective and uses more energy.

Protecting Dementia Patients

With a heat wave bringing dangerously high temperatures for tens of millions of Americans, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing important tips to help families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses keep their loved ones safe.

“The dangers of extreme temperatures, which can cause heat stroke in a manner of minutes, are magnified for someone living with dementia. Dementia-related illnesses can impair a person’s ability to know when they are thirsty or in danger of overheating, communicate basic needs, and remember heat safety protocols,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, SIFI, AFA’s spokesperson. “Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping your loved one safe.”

AFA advises family caregivers to take the following steps:

Help the person stay hydrated - Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses can diminish a person’s ability to know when they are thirsty, making it critically important for caregivers to monitor them and encourage them to drink frequently. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as these drinks may contribute to dehydration.

Watch for hyperthermia - Dementia-related illnesses can impair a person’s ability to communicate or recognize basic needs, so caregivers cannot solely depend on waiting for the person to express that they are too hot or need to cool off. Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature caused by the body’s inability to regulate heat from the environment.

Seniors and people with chronic medical conditions are most at risk. One life-threatening form of hyperthermia is heat stroke, a dangerous elevation in body temperature sparked by exposure to extreme environmental heat or the troublesome mixture of heat and humidity. Watch for warning signs such as excessive sweating, exhaustion, flushed or red skin, muscle cramps, a fast pulse, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

Watch out for wandering - Wandering is a very common behavior among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s also very dangerous, as they can easily become lost or disoriented and not know how, or who, to call for help. It’s even more dangerous in extreme heat conditions, where hyperthermia can develop in a matter of minutes. Wandering can occur when the person has limited stimulation, so be sure to engage the person in physical stimulation by walking around the home, and mental stimulation through activities and engaging in conversations.

Ensure the person’s basic needs (water, food, using the restroom, etc.) are being met, as wandering can often stem from an unmet need. Keep a recent photo and medical information on hand, as well as information about familiar destinations they used to frequent, to share with emergency responders to aid in search and rescue efforts if the person does wander.

Take immediate action - Resting in an air-conditioned room, removing clothing, applying cold compresses and drinking fluids can help cool the body. If the person faints, exhibits excessive confusion or becomes unconscious, consider this a medical emergency and call 911.

Know where to cool down - Many municipalities will open up air conditioned “cooling centers” where people who do not have air conditioning can go to cool down. These can include senior centers, libraries, community centers and other municipal/public buildings. If your person does not have air conditioning, find out if there are cooling centers are nearby.

Plan ahead – Blackouts and other power failures can sometimes occur during heat waves. Make sure that cell phones, tablets, and other electrical devices are fully charged. Flashlights should be easily accessible in case of a power failure. Have the emergency contact numbers for local utility providers, as well as the police and fire departments, readily accessible.

Have a long-distance plan if necessary - If you don’t live near your loved one, arrange for someone who does to check on them. Inform them of emergency contacts and where important medical information can be found, such as their insurance card. Make sure the person has plenty of water and access to air-conditioning or other cooling mechanisms.

Families who have questions or would like additional information about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can speak with a licensed social worker seven days a week through the AFA Helpline by calling 866-232-8484, web chatting at www.alzfdn.org, or sending a text message to 646-586-5283.

Following a period of thunder storms on Sunday and Monday, temperatures next week are forecast to settle back into the more comfortable low to mid 80s.

Check back or visit The Newtown Bee Facebook Site for updates.