Heat Waves

Black communities are disproportionately affected by heat waves. Due to due limited access to green spaces and air conditioning, these communities are at risk for heat related illnesses. This section provides tips to stay cool, recognize signs of heat-related illness, and find cooling centers in Connecticut to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Tips to Beat the Heat

Below are tips from the World Health Organization and FEMA to stay cool during heat waves

Use light and loose-fitting clothing and bed linens. In order to avoid heat accumulation, do not use cushions.
Take cool showers or baths.
Wet your skin using a damp cloth, a spray bottle, or wet clothing.
Drink water regularly at least 2–3 litres per day. Avoid alcohol and too much caffeine.
If you go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses.
Use the night air to cool down your home by opening windows after dark.
During the day, close windows and cover them with blinds or shutters to block sunlight. Turn off as many electrical devices as possible.
Move to the coolest room in the home, especially at night.
If it is not possible to keep your home cool, spend 2–3 hours of the day in a cool, air conditioned place.
Stay in the shade.
Avoid strenuous physical activity if you can. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which can be in the morning between 04:00 and 07:00

For more information on ways to protect yourself from heat waves, check out World Health Organization and FEMA

Signs of Heat Related Illnesses

Below are signs of heat related illnesses provided by the Red Cross to help protect yourself and loved ones from heat waves.

Signs of Heat Stroke

Body temperate over 103 degrees Fahrenheit
Red, hot dry skin without sweat
A strong and rapid pulse
Dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness.

If you or someone you know are expecting symptoms of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or seek assistance immediately. Try to cool down but do not drink anything until you seek help.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Paleness
Muscle cramps
Weakness
Fatigue
Heavy sweating
Fast or week pulse
Nausea and vomitting

If you or someone you know are expecting symptoms of heat exhaustion, go to cooler location, remove excess clothing and drink lots of water. Seek assistance if symptoms get worse

Signs of Dehydration

Increased thirst
Dry mouth
Rapid breathing
Dizziness or confusion
Fatigue
Headaches

To prevent dehydration, make sure you drink lots of water

For more information on heat related illnesses, check out Red Cross

Cooling Centers

Below is information to cooling centers located all over Connecticut. I will continue to update this section in June once more cooling centers become available

Mount Aery Baptist Church - Bridgeport, CT

73 Frank Street | 203-334-2757
Monday - Sunday | 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Open June-August depending upon heat index and humidity

New Haven Public Library- Wilson Branch

New Haven Public Library - Mitchell Branch

New Haven Public Library- Stetson Branch

New Haven Public Library- Fair Haven Branch

New Haven Public Library- Ives Main Library

133 Elm Street | 203-946-8130
Monday - Thursday | 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday - Saturday | 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday | Closed

For more information on cooling centers, check out 2-1-1 Connecticut

Black Climate Action