July 8, 2024
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kevin Elak, 860-638-4960

City of Middletown Cooling Centers

Middletown – Governor Ned Lamont has announced that due to weather forecast indicating that Connecticut is about to experience very hot and humid temperatures over the coming days, he is directing Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated today, Monday, July 8 at 2 pm and will remain in effect through Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 5 pm.  The current forecast is indicating that temperatures over this period will rise into the 90s and higher. City of Middletown officials are advising residents to take precautionary measures to avoid excess exposure that may lead to illness.   

Residents who are in need of respite from the heat are encouraged to seek air-conditioned comfort in the following public cooling centers: 

• City Hall lobby, 245 deKoven Drive – Open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 
• Middletown Police Department lobby, 222 Main Street – Open 24 hours 7 days a week. 
• Middletown Recreation Center lobby, 140 Wilderman’s Way – Open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 
• Middletown Senior Center, 61 Durant Terrace – Open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 
• Russell Library, 123 Broad Street – Open 9 am to 8 pm. 

We advise checking with these facilities prior to travel. Please note that there are no services such as food, beverage, or charging stations at cooling centers. In addition, the splash pad at Veterans Memorial Park is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. 

The City of Middletown will also be opening fire hydrant sprinklers at designated times and locations. The sprinklers will be open today, Monday, July 8^th  through Wednesday, July 10^th  and will be at the following locations: 

• The Highlands Crescent Drive bus stop from 12 P.M. – 6 P.M.
• Julia Terrace from 12 P.M – 6 P.M.
• Maplewood Terrace from 12 P.M. – 6 P.M.
• Summer Hill Road and Woodbury Circle from 12 P.M. – 6 P.M.
• Macdonough School from 9 A.M - 6 P.M.
• Santangelo Circle from 9 A.M. – 6 P.M.  

The combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause heat related illnesses such as hyperthermia and heat exhaustion. The most serious form of hyperthermia is heat stroke, which is characterized by a body temperature of 105 degrees. Symptoms may include disorientation, delirium, and coma. Onset is rapid and progression to becoming life threatening may only take a few minutes. Anyone in this condition should seek immediate medical attention. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of hyperthermia and may occur after several days of exposure to heat combined with inadequate fluid intake. Symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses, some people are at greater risk than others: infants and young children,; people 65 years of age and older; people who are overweight; and those with heart disease, high blood pressure or take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.

The best defense against heat related illness is prevention. Drink fluids frequently and do not wait until you are thirsty, and wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing. Stay indoors if possible in an air-conditioned place. Never leave anyone, especially children and/or pets in a closed, parked vehicle. Check on those most at-risk several times a day.

Please refer to the City of Middletown web site (http://www.middletownct.gov) and Comcast Channel 19 for additional information.