Health experts urge hydration as extreme heat protocol remains in effect

Connecticut’s extreme heat protocol is in effect through Sunday as a midweek heat wave brings dangerously high temperatures, opening public cooling centers across the state and prompting experts to urge residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged time outdoors.

The protocol includes public cooling centers, such as the Hartford Downtown Library. According to the United Way of Connecticut, there are more than 70 cooling centers across 31 towns and cities. Residents can call 2-1-1 to find the nearest location and get help with transportation if needed.

Tanya Barrett, Senior Vice President of 211 Health and Human Services at the United Way of Connecticut, said the centers are an important resource for residents.

The National Weather Service says heat has killed more Americans than any other extreme weather event over the last six years, with an average of 438 deaths each year. Experts say cooling centers can provide critical relief during periods of extreme heat.

“With the weather being oppressively hot, there just have to be places for people to get relief,” Barrett said.

She said people who need help getting to a cooling center can call 2-1-1 for assistance.

“We will certainly help people who need to get to a cooling center get there,” she said.

Barrett said United Way staff will also continue helping people find available resources, even if a cooling center closes.

“We certainly want to make sure that people who call with a need for cooling get connected to any available resources,” she said.

Health experts also warn that hot and humid conditions increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, which often begin with symptoms such as headaches or muscle cramps.

Natalie Cooper, a clinical assistant professor at the Quinnipiac School of Nursing, said humidity makes it more difficult for the body to cool itself.

“That moisture really makes a difference and can make it really hard to sweat effectively and release some of the heat,” she said.

Cooper said people should drink water before they begin feeling thirsty.

“You should be drinking even if you’re not thirsty. So, you want to be preventative, staying well hydrated in advance of activities, just knowing that it’s a really hot day,” she said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking about three to five water bottles of a similar size each day to stay hydrated. People who work or exercise outdoors on hot days should increase that amount by another one or two bottles.

Some residents said they are already taking those precautions.

“This whole week is supposed to be really hectic, so I would recommend at least four to five water bottles,” Faseeh Uddin of Newington said.

Another resident said carrying water is part of staying safe in the heat.

“I got my water bottle so hopefully, fill this with ice and that’ll make everything even I guess,” Anrae Fevrier of East Hartford said.

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