With forecasts indicating high temperatures returning over the next few days with a heat index in the low to mid 90s, Governor Ned Lamont has activated the state’s extreme hot weather protocol through 8 pm, Friday, August 5. At least one event this afternoon — the Tuesday Tunes series finale hosted by C.H. Booth Library — is being moved indoors.

The free, family friendly concert will be in the theater of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, CHB Children's Librarian Alana Bennison told The Newtown Bee mid-Tuesday morning. The concert will still begin at 2 pm.

The National Weather Service this morning is calling for a high of 86 degrees in Newtown Tuesday, with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible.

There is also an air quality advisory in effect for Fairfield and New Haven Counties Tuesday from 11 am to 11 pm. Ground level ozone within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards.

Temperatures will also increase tomorrow, according to the weather service, reaching 86 during the day, and then staying mostly clear with an overnight low around 65.

Thursday will be even hotter, with predictions of 94 degrees during the day. Friday will bring more showers and thunderstorms, and daytime temperatures still reaching 89 degrees.

The purpose of the weather protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions.

While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 211 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location to get some relief from the hot conditions.

Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 211 or visit 211ct.org to find their nearest location.

Locally, Newtown residents are invited to visit three locations always available to the public.

The Office of the First Selectman, Emergency Management, and Health District Tuesday morning offered a reminder that Newtown Municipal Center, C.H. Booth Library, and Newtown Community Center are available for those seeking relief from the heat.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, is currently open Mondays through Thursdays, 9:30 am-8 pm; and Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 am-5 pm (the library is closed on Sundays in the summer).

Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, is open Monday through Thursday, 6 am-9 pm; Friday, 6 am-8 pm; Saturday, 7 am-5:30 pm; and Sunday, 7 am-5 pm.

Town officials ask residents to call the community center (203-270-4349) ahead of their visit to be sure the timing of their visit can be properly accommodated.

Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street (within Fairfield Hills), is open weekdays from 7 am to 5 pm, and later on nights with public meetings.

Heat-Related Illness

Heat related illness has some common symptoms that should be watched for, including:

*Dry, red spotted skin

*Mental confusion

*Body temperatures at or above 105 degrees F

*Dizziness

*Weakness

*Fatigue

*Headache

*Nausea

*Cramps

*Rash

If these symptoms are experienced, move the patient to a cooler location, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, have them sip water. If the patient’s condition persists, call 911.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

*Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.

*People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.

*People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.

*People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.

*People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Prevention Tips

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

*Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.

*Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. For those who must be outdoors, try to limit outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that the body has a chance to cool off.

*Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 211 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device.

*Avoid direct sunlight.

*Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

*Take cool showers or baths.

*Check on those most at-risk several times a day.

*Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.

*Never leave pets inside parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

*Everyone should stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. Because bodies lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common while experiencing very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

-Drink more water than usual (don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink more fluids);

-Drink 2-4 cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside;

-Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar and caffeine; and

-Remind others to drink enough water.

Additional phone numbers to keep handy include:

*First Selectman’s office, 203-270-4201

*Emergency Management/Office of the Fire Marshal, 203-270-4370

*Health District, 203-270-4291.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.