Gov. Lamont activates hot weather protocol, prompting cooling center openings

Stratford Public Schools let students out early Tuesday and Milford Public Schools is considering the possibility of early dismissals this week as a result of the heat. Norwalk Public Schools announced five schools will be dismissed early Tuesday.

News 12 Staff

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Sep 5, 2023, 10:39 AM

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Updated 471 days ago

Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol is officially in effect, prompting local municipalities to open cooling centers.

Stratford Public Schools let students out early Tuesday and Milford Public Schools is considering the possibility of early dismissals this week as a result of the heat. Norwalk Public Schools announced five schools will be dismissed early Tuesday.

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Gov. Ned Lamont activated Connecticut's extreme hot weather protocol.

"We want to make sure people who may not have access to air conditioning will know where to go so they can get cooled off during this extreme heat," said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling.

Three public locations in Norwalk are now serving as cooling centers: Norwalk Public Library from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., South Norwalk Library from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and the Norwalk Police Department Community Center, which is open 24/7.

The state is urging residents across the state to STAY COOL by:

Staying indoors as much as possible and limiting time outdoors to morning and evenings.
Avoiding working in direct sunlight.
Wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Checking on family members and neighbors who are most at risk.

The statewide protocol will remain in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday.

You can check your local municipality's website to find cooling center locations in your area.

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