07/05/10 State Calls on Local Leaders to Set up Cooling Stations

Heat wave takes hold:

Norwalk will not open official cooling centers today

The state is calling on local leaders to set up cooling stations for people to escape the high heat and oppressive humidity expected for the next several days.

"The dangerous combination of temperatures in the 90s and excessive high humidity will make it actually feel like 100 degrees or more. This can be a tremendously dangerous situation for senior citizens, young children and those who must work outside," said Gov. M. Jodi Rell. "The cooling centers are safe places those individuals with no air conditioning or other means to escape the heat."

Michele DeLuca, Deputy Director of Emergency Management said on Monday the city did not open any cooling stations because people "typically don't come."

"We are looking at some possible locations if we need them," said DeLuca.

DeLuca said Norwalk is working with the senior centers, faith-based centers and other organizations to see if they can keep their doors open to help people escape the heat.

Fire officials said that residents are welcome to come by the departments to cool off if need be but they are not official cooling stations. In Stamford fire stations serve as cooling stations.

The heat wave is expected to continue for much of this week, with the most dangerous heat index, a measurement of temperature and humidity, forecast for tomorrow.

Rell is asking local leaders to provide the state with locations of cooling centers so that they can be disseminated through the statewide InfoLine 2-1-1 and state Department of Social Services networks. At this point 211 has no record of cooling stations in Norwalk area.

Rell said the state is monitoring the capabilities of utility companies and ISO New England, which manages the regional power grid, to ensure there is enough capacity to handle the anticipated high electrical demand. The Governor also said state troopers, who have been on increased patrols due to the long holiday weekend, have been directed to check on stranded motorists and rest stops.

"We are encouraging everyone use common sense to stay safe during this heat wave. The conditions can be life-threatening for our most vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly," the Governor said. "For those with elderly neighbors, please consider looking in on them to make sure they are safe.

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