By John Voket

Following the announcement that the state is activating its hot weather protocol beginning at 8 am on Wednesday, July 26, Newtown officials are following suit — urging residents to "stay cool and safe" as temperatures begin spiking. The state's protocol will remain in effect until at least Sunday morning.

The current forecast indicates that the heat index during this period will range at times between 95 to 105 degrees and have lingering impacts during the overnight hours, particularly in urban areas throughout Connecticut.

The purpose of this protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions.

Newtown’s offices of the First Selectman, Emergency Management, and the Health District offer the following information to prevent residents from becoming victims of the heat during these days of extremely high temperatures, along with potential air quality impacts from Canadian wildfires.

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

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

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St., Monday - Thursday from 9:30 am to 8 pm, and Friday - Saturday 9:30 am to 5 pm

Newtown Community Center (call 203-270-4349 ahead of arriving to be sure the timing of your visit can be properly accommodated) Monday - Thursday 6 am - 9 pm; Friday 6 am - 8 pm; Saturday 7 am - 5:30 pm; and Sunday 7 am - 5 pm.

Residents are advised to consider the following:

*Drink plenty of water - 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;

*Do your shopping, errands, etc — local grocery stores are full of healthy choices and air-conditioning, as are most local businesses;

*Check on any elderly or frail neighbors, and suggest they come to one of the local “cool locations” if their residence is overheated;

*Monitor pets as well; 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;

*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;

*Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or long periods in the sun (especially between the hours of 12 - 4 pm - the hottest hours during the day.

Beware of heat related illness, which has common symptoms including: dry red spotted skin, mental confusion, body temp. at or above 105 degrees F, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, headache, nausea, cramps, and/or rash.

If these symptoms are experienced, move to a cooler location, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, have them sip water. If the patient’s condition persists, call 9-1-1.

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.

Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.