ENFIELD — As the hottest weeks of summer approach, Chief Edward Richards would like to remind Enfield residents to take safety precautions during their summer activities, especially those that take place outdoors.
“We are recommending that residents try to avoid as much time outdoors as possible during this weekend,” Chief Richards said. “If you must go outside for a prolonged period of time, please stay hydrated and if you begin to feel ill or show signs of heatstroke, seek shelter indoors in a cool place.”
The National Weather Service is expecting temperatures to reach into the 90s on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Enfield and has issued an excessive heat watch for Saturday, July 20. In addition, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) has issued its own advisory.
To prevent illness and injuries, Enfield Fire Rescue recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:
Heat Safety Tips:
- Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
- If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
- Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
- Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
- Learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.
Tips for Parents:
- Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
- Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.
To learn more about summer safety, visit the American Red Cross or National Safety Council websites.
Cooling Center Information:
Enfield has four four public buildings that will serve as facilities for residents to go to for temporary relief from the heat. Please note that these sites are not intended to be utilized as shelters as there will be no sleeping accommodations provided. Furthermore, animals, with the exception of service dogs, are prohibited.
Enfield Senior Center
299 Elm St.
Cooling Center Hours of Operation
Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enfield Public Library
104 Middle Road
Cooling Center Hours of Operation
Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pearl Street Library
759 Pearl St.
Cooling Center Hours of Operation
Friday – 12-6:00 p.m.
Enfield Police Department lobby
293 Elm Street
The lobby is available as a cooling center 24 hours a day.
If further locations and times are made available an announcement will be made. Additionally, residents can call 211 for live information about shelter availability.
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