Simsbury Opens Cooling Centers During Heat Wave

With temperatures predicted to stay in the mid-90s all week, the town of Simsbury has opened cooling centers to help residents beat the heat.

According to the National Weather Service, the high this week is predicted to be 95 or 96 degrees each day until Friday, when a heavy rain is expected to bring the temperature down to 94 degrees. Lows are predicted to stay around 71 degrees all week.

To avoid the heat, the town offered two sites, the Simsbury Public Library, at 725 Hopmeadow St., and Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St. The library is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 am to 1:30 p.m. Eno Memorial Hall is open Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

When those facilities are closed, residents may use The Virginia Connolly Residence, 1600 Hopmeadow St. 

In addition, residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and keep physical activity to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day. Residents are also encouraged to check on older adult family members, friends and neighbors.

Common symptoms of heat-related conditions include profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, dimmed or blurred vision, cold and damp skin, extreme tiredness, nausea and hot, dry skin.

For more information, call The Simsbury Social Services Department at 860 658-3283.

To find out more about preparing for the heat, click here to visit the American Red Cross's website.