With high temperatures expected for next week, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that for the first time this year, the state will be activating the Connecticut Extreme Hot Weather Protocol from noon on Tuesday until noon next Sunday, June 23.

The protocol means the locations and hours of cooling centers around the state will all be submitted to an online database, allowing anyone who needs access to one the ability to either call 211 or look online to find one.

In general, the state recommends that everybody stay inside and in the air conditioning as much as they can. Officials say that anyone who must be outside should try to do so only in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower. They should also stay in the shade.

Additionally, officials remind people to check in on friends or family members who may be at risk to make sure they have everything they need. This includes people who are especially young, or older than 65. Anyone who has heart disease or high blood pressure, or takes certain medications could also be at an increased risk for heat stroke.

As far as animals go, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture says to watch for excessive panting or drooling, and also to check if a pet's tongue or gums look like they are a different color than normal. These could all be signs of heat stress.

To help prevent that, they say to never leave a pet in a car - even with a window cracked - and to make sure they have plenty of fresh, cold water.

Just like with people, if pets need to go out, try to make it at the cooler parts of the day, and try to keep them off of the hotter areas, like blacktop, which can burn their paws.