HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Cooling centers across Connecticut opened up on Wednesday when a heat advisory was put in effect. They'll have their doors open for the rest of the week with many parts of the state under an excessive heat watch through Friday.
In Hartford, Mayor Luke Bronin informs residents that the city's senior centers and library system will be serving as cooling centers until Friday.
At the South End Senior and Wellness Center, Administrative Assistant Cynthia Hicks encourages people to come into the center to cool off and drink water, particularly those who don't have the resources to stay cool during a heat wave.
"Some people don't even have fans, and really, in weather like this, fans don't even bring you that much relief. So, it's good to have places where people could go to get cooled off, because this heat is dangerous," Hicks said.
Its sister site, the North End Senior Center, welcomes any and all community members to cool off as well. However, the center is asking all those who enter the building to be fully vaccinated, per state public health guidance.
"We have been directed not necessarily to try and make copies of the vaccination card, but we do ask to see it," Director of Operations James Johnson Jr. said. So far, "that's been working out extremely well," he said.
Though the centers serve older community members, both Johnson and Hicks urge anyone that needs a place to stay cool to visit.
"Don't feel nervous. Don't feel shame. That's what we're here for. If you need it, come and take advantage of it," Hicks said.
The two centers will be open for cooling operations through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Hartford's Downtown Main Library will also be available as a cooling center until Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Albany and Camp Field branches will be open on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In the city of New London, the New London Public Library has set up a cooling center for those in need in the meeting room on the first floor. It will be open at 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, until 5 p.m. on Friday and until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Torrington has also opened up cooling centers in the City Hall Auditorium on Main Street and the Sullivan Senior Center. Both will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Friday. Masks and social distancing are required. The senior center is only open for those over the age of 60, city officials said in a statement.
Officials from the cities urge residents to stay safe in the extreme heat by liming outdoor activities to mornings and evenings, avoiding direct sunlight, staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing and resting in shady areas.