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STAMFORD, Conn. Carlos Ireheta, 8, and his brother Lennen, 5, were already sharing a water bottle when they walked into the Stamford Government Center lobby on Washington Blvd. Tuesday with their mother, Marlen Banegas.
But the two brothers still rushed right to the water fountains.
"It's cool in here, and the water tastes cold," said Carlos. "I like the summer, but today it's too hot."
Banegas, who doesn't speak English, said through her older son that she came to the government center to cool off and get some information about school programs for her younger son in September. Carlos added his mother planned to stay at the center as long as it was open.
With the temperature rising to nearly 100 degrees, the government center lobby was used Tuesday as one of the city's "cooling centers," according to Stamford Health Director Anne Fountain. Fountain said the center would be open until 8 p.m.
"We put out extra chairs and want people to know on days like this the government center lobby is open for use as a cooling center," Fountain said. "People can use the center until 8 p.m., and we have fire stations declared as cooling stations until midnight."
Stamford's Interim Fire Chief Antonio Conte said eight of the city's nine fire stations would be open as cooling centers Tuesday until midnight.
Fountain said during a prolonged heat-wave or power outage, the local chapter of the American Red Cross sets up larger centers for overnight use.
"By the evening we expect it to cool down, and it's not supposed to be as hot on Wednesday," Fountain said.
Still, with the heat index, which takes humidity into account, it feels as hot as 105. The Weather Service issued a heat advisory, urging residents to take extra precautions until 9 p.m. Tuesday. The Weather Service recommends:
Drinking plenty of water
Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
Rescheduling strenuous activity until evening hours
If you are working outside, taking frequent breaks in the shade or inside where there is air conditioning.
Everyone also should watch for the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The Centers for Disease Control and Protection says infants and young children, seniors and people who are overweight or have medical conditions are more at-risk for dangerous heat-related illnesses.
How are you staying cool in Stamford during Tuesday's heat? Leave a comment below.
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