The National Weather Service has announced that temperatures in the region over the next few days are expected to reach over 90 degrees with high humidity.
Milford Health Director Deepa Joseph advises all residents to take precautions to protect their health during the extremely warm weather. She also said that the Milford Senior Center and Milford Library have extended their hours this weekend so people can go there to cool off.
“All people are at risk for developing heat related illnesses in conditions of high temperatures and high humidity,” she said. “Especially vulnerable to developing heat related illness are the elderly, young children and individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases such as heart disease and respiratory conditions such as asthma or emphysema.”
Parents of children with special medical conditions should consult with their physicians or care providers on best preventive measures.
Places to cool down
For individuals looking for a place to cool down during the hottest times of the day, the following locations are available in Milford:
- Milford Public Library, 57 New Haven Avenue. Hours are Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 pm.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 pm., Friday 1 to 5 p.m. And special hours this weekend, Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this weekend due to the heat, and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
- Connecticut Post Mall, 1201 Boston Post Road: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 pm.
The health department recommends the following precautions:
- Increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink fluids.
- Limit exercise in a hot environment and drink 2-4 glasses of fruit juice or a sports beverage each hour. Avoid drinks containing caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
- Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air conditioned environment. If air conditioning is not available, consider a visit to air-conditioned places such as shopping malls, public libraries, and community centers for a few hours.
- Electric fans may be useful to increase comfort and to draw cool air into your home at night but do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during a heat wave. When the temperature is 90°F or higher, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is a more effective way to cool off.
- If you must be out in the heat, try to plan your activities so that you are outdoors before noon or in the evening.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing. When outdoors, a wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the head cool. Wear sunscreen to protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
- NEVER leave small children, pets, disabled or elderly individuals in a closed, parked vehicle. Provide pets with plenty of water and shade.
- Check-up on family and neighbors who are at greatest risk of heat-related illness.
For more information about heat, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/ or contact the Milford Health Department at 203-783-3285.
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