(Updated) The Heat is On; Cooling Centers Open Throughout the Week

Need a break from the heat? Just come to the Southington Public Library.

In preparation for extreme heat expected to hit Connecticut this week, the town has established Southington Public Library, located at 255 Main St., as a designated cooling center through the end of the week, Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback said.

Should there be a need for additional space or a second emergency location, Brumback said the town would open up the Calendar House as a secondary cooling station.

"We have a table of water and air conditioning to help keep people cool," said Sue Smayda, library director.

The library is open during the week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Plainville-Southington Regional Health district Director Shane Lockwood said Tuesday that residents should take extreme caution to avoid heat-related illness.

"It's important that residents take precautions to stay cool in the extreme heat," Lockwood said. "Not planning ahead can lead to serious health problems and heat-related illness."

Lockwood and the health district released the following tips for residents on their website, www.pshd.org, on Tuesday:

• Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as the Southington or Plainville Public Library, or large stores and shopping malls. The Libraries will be available during their normal scheduled hours of operations.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or too much sugar because they can cause you to lose excessive fluids from the body.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Wear a hat. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Wear sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15 or higher. Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors, and use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles. Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
• Symptoms of heat exhaustion include pale and clammy skin, heavy perspiration, dizziness, weakness, headache or cramps, nausea and fainting. Seek medical attention immediately if the symptoms are severe or the victim has a history of heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise help the victim cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.
• Symptoms of heat stroke, which can be caused by over-exposure to direct sunlight, are high body temperature, skin that is red and dry, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke can lead to death if untreated. An individual with any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.