By Norm Needleman, State Senator.
(June 28, 2021) — With Connecticut set to experience extreme temperatures in the next few days as summer arrives, it is important to take steps to protect yourself, especially with real-feel temperatures nearing 100 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for most of the state through Wednesday.
First, if you cannot regularly cool your home, you can find the nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1. Extreme temperatures can lead to potential health issues, especially for the elderly, the very young and people who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures. People who are overweight, people overexerting during work or exercise and people with physical illnesses can experience additional risks during extreme heat.
The most important thing to do during heat waves is to stay cool, and experts recommend staying in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Try to limit outdoor activity to mornings and evenings, and rest in shady areas if possible. Air-conditioned shelters can be found by calling 2-1-1; while fans are effective, their positive effects can be limited in environments where real-feel temperature rises over 100 degrees.
Other tips for fighting the heat include avoiding direct sunlight, wearing light-colored clothing and taking cool showers or baths. Those most at-risk should be checked on several times a day, while pets that cannot be brought indoors should have ready access to share and water to keep them cool.
Remember to stay hydrated, as your body loses fluids through sweat during high temperatures. Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty before drinking more fluids. If working or exercising outside, drink at least two cups of water an hour; avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar, which can dehydrate you.
Route 149 In East Haddam to be Closed for Five Weeks Starting July 6
To accommodate work to stabilize a local rock slope, the Department of Transportation will close Route 149 with detours for five weeks beginning July 6. The route will be closed to all traffic from River Boat Launch to Landing Hill Road from Mondays to Fridays, opened to traffic during weekends until the project is completed. The Salmon River Boat Launch will remain accessible and Landing Hill Road will be accessible via 149 southbound and northbound respectively. A detour route will guide drivers onto Routes 82 and 151. The project involves clearing trees and vegetation from the rock slope, then scaling the slope to remove loose or dangerous rock and soils. The project, with an estimated cost of $250,000, will be completed around August 6 based on current projections.
Small Business Administration, Department of Agriculture to Hold Panel Discussion on Helping Rural Communities
The federal Small Business Administration and United States Department of Agriculture will join representatives from the state Department of Agriculture and Department of Economic and Community Development on Wednesday, June 30 for a panel discussion on guiding local growers and producers to direct funding opportunities and a network of support services for community and economic development. The main topic of discussion will involve opportunities to assist stakeholders and small businesses to improve access to capital and rebuild rural communities. The panel discussion, to be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, will be held online; click here to register.
