First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced today that due to the extreme heat forecast for this week, the Town of Fairfield is opening up its Cooling Centers for the public. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for much of the Northeast. Temperatures are forecast to be in the low 90’s this week with heat index values in the upper 90’s to 100 degrees.

Starting Monday, July 15, 2013 through Friday, July 19, 2013, the Town is designating the Main and Fairfield Woods Libraries, as well as the Senior Center, as Cooling Centers.

The hours of operation for these Cooling Centers are:

-Main Library (1080 Old Post Road): Monday to Thursday 9 am-9 pm; Friday 9 am-6 pm; and Saturday 9 am-5 pm

-Fairfield Woods Branch Library (1147 Fairfield Woods Road): Monday to Thursday 9 am-8 pm; Friday 9 am-6 pm; and Saturday 9 am-5 pm

-Fairfield Senior Center (100 Mona Terrace): Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm

First Selectman Tetreau said, “The Town highly encourages residents to protect themselves by taking the necessary steps to prevent heat-related illnesses.”

The Town recommends residents stay indoors in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air-conditioning, residents can go to air-conditioned public places such as the Town’s cooling centers, malls or the movies.

Even a few hours in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Other steps residents can take to avoid heat-related illnesses include drinking plenty of fluids, taking a cool shower or bath, dressing in loose fitting/light colored clothes and reducing any strenuous activity.

For additional steps that can be taken and information on understanding the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, please see the “High Temperatures Projected This Week” link on the Town’s website by going to www.fairfieldct.org.