Firefighters Making Drinking Water Available As Part Of Manchester Hot Weather Protocol

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester will have activated its Extreme Hot Weather Protocol as of noon Tuesday, with emergency heat measures scheduled to remain in effect through 6 p.m. Sunday, July 5, according to a town notice.

Town officials said residents who may be at risk from extreme heat can call 860-645-5500 for assistance. Individuals experiencing homelessness and in need of assistance are advised to contact 2-1-1 or MACC Charities, which will also distribute water to those in need.

As part of the town’s heat response, several public buildings are being made available during regular business hours as cooling locations for residents seeking relief from high temperatures.

The Weiss Center, located at 479 Main St., is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Manchester Senior Center at 549 Middle Turnpike East is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Mary Cheney Library at 586 Main St. is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Whiton Memorial Library at 100 North Main St. is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Officials said the lobby of the Manchester Police Department will also remain available around the clock as a cooling area for residents.

Free drinking water is also available at Manchester fire stations located at 75 Center St., 1039 Tolland Turnpike, 331 Tolland Turnpike and 138 McKee St. Town officials said people living outdoors with limited access to water can find bottles or cans of water stored in deck boxes outside each station.

Additional resources for residents affected by extreme heat include the Manchester Police Department non-emergency line, 2-1-1 cooling centers, homelessness assistance through MACC Charities, and air quality updates through AirNow.