Bridgeport Opens Cooling Centers As Heat Wave Approaches

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport officials are urging residents to take precautions during a period of extreme heat by using cooling centers during normal business hours and taking steps to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

The Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center, in conjunction with Mayor Joe Ganim, announced that the city's cooling center protocol will be in effect from noon on Wednesday to 9 p.m. on Friday. Officials said the centers are available for people seeking relief from the heat, including those whose health may be affected by high temperatures or asthma.

Temperatures are forecast to feel like more than 100 degrees over the next few days in Bridgeport and around the state.

Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity and spend time in air-conditioned locations when possible. People experiencing homelessness may seek shelter during the air quality advisory by calling 211, according to the city.

Dr. Elizabeth Rivera-Rodriguez, director of the Bridgeport Health and Social Services Department, offered the following safety recommendations for residents during the expected rise in temperatures.

"We are encouraging our seniors and most vulnerable populations to take care of themselves during this period of extreme heat by following these tips:

Try to stay indoors where there are air-conditioners as much as possible. Keep shades and/or curtains closed.

If your living space is hot, try to spend time in an air-conditioned building such as a cooling center, shopping mall, senior center, library, or friend’s home.

Limit the use of the oven or cooking.

Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.

Take cool showers or baths to cool down.

Limit your time outdoors especially if you are doing strenuous activities, for example, gardening or cutting the lawn.

Stay well hydrated and limit coffee intake.

Family and friends should frequently check on the elderly and vulnerable during the extreme heat conditions."

Cooling Centers:

Senior Centers (Open weekdays only)

• Black Rock Senior Center – 2676 Fairfield Avenue, (8:00am- 3:00pm)
• East Side Senior Center – 268 Putnam Street (8:00am- 3:00pm)
• Eisenhower Senior Center – 307 Golden Hill Street, (8:00am-3:00pm)
• Veterans Affairs Center – 20 Thorme Street, (9:00am- 4:30pm)
• Alpha Community Services YMCA – 650 Park Ave (Mon thru Fri – 9:00am-5:00pm; closed on Saturday & Sunday)
  

GBT Station

• 710 Water Street, Mon- Fri (9:00am- 9:00pm)
  

Bridgeport Public Library Branches

• Main Branch – 925 Broad Street, Mon & Tues (10:00am- 6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).

• Black Rock Branch – 2705 Fairfield Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).

• Newfield Branch – 755 Central Avenue, Mon & Tues (10:00am- 6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).

• North Branch – 3455 Madison Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).

• Beardsley Branch – 2534 East Main Street, Mon & Wed (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Thurs (10:00am- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).

• East Side Branch – Temporarily closed for construction.