Laura Glesby Photo
New Haven’s projected maximum heat index value on Saturday is 106 degrees.
The city will open up cooling centers, extend pool and homeless shelter hours, and offer air conditioning units to seniors in anticipation of a serious heat wave this weekend.
Temperatures on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are forecast to reach the mid-nineties. With high humidity levels, the weather is projected to feel like 110 degrees.
City officials gathered for a press conference on Thursday afternoon to discuss the measures in New Haven’s Emergency Operations Center, in the sub-basement of the Hall of Records.
“Don’t let today’s rain fool you,” said Mayor Toni Harp. High temperatures and “exceptionally high humidity levels,” she said, could pose a “serious public health and public safety threat.”
“This weather is probably some of the toughest weather in terms of heat and humidity that we’ve seen since 2012,” said Rick Fontana, the city’s chief of emergency operations.
Fontana said that the weather this weekend will reach the highest of four levels, classified as “extreme” heat.
In response, the city is opening up several “cooling centers” in New Haven Public Library locations, where people can come for air conditioning. In addition, homeless shelters across the city that typically operate only at night will remain open throughout the day.
Velma George, who leads the city’s Office of Housing & Homelessness Services, said that members of her team are reaching out to homeless individuals who aren’t currently staying in shelters to inform them about those resources.
The city also plans to pool hours to 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
“Don’t forget about your pets,” Fontana said. “Their paws on the ground will not be good for them.”
Migdalia Castro, the director of elderly services, said her department will provide free air conditioning units to the elderly. She offered tips for seniors looking to cool off, including staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and refraining from strenuous exercise.
Fire Chief John Alston: “This is going to be a strange three days.”
Officials anticipate that a concert by R&B/pop artist Lisa Lisa this Saturday evening on the Green will draw a crowd, and cautioned concertgoers to keep hydrated and minimize alcohol consumption. On the concert’s Facebook event, 4,400 people expressed interest in attending.
Parks, Recreation, & Trees Director Rebecca Bombero said her department would work to clear the sidewalk areas on the Green in case emergency services are needed.
Fire Chief John Alston urged residents not to open fire hydrants as a means of cooling off. Since the fire hydrants are interconnected, “it drops the pressures and we are not able to sustain the water source,” he said. Instead, he encouraged New Haveners to visit the splash pads at several parks across the city.
Alston added that the Fire Department anticipates receiving an uptick in calls this weekend.
“This is going to be a strange three days,” he said.
Text Of Office of Emergency Management Heat Advisory
Due to elevated temperatures including an excessive humidity forecast throughout the city and region for the coming days, the City of New Haven will be activating “cooling centers” for the public to provide relief from the heat. High temperatures and humidity will continue through the weekend especially, and into next week. “Cooling centers” will remain open until further notice. Please check your local news for additional updates. Seniors are reminded that senior centers require 24 hour notice for senior meals.
The following locations will serve as “cooling centers” for seniors in New Haven:
These Cooling Center Locations will be open until 4:00 PM:
Atwater Senior Center at 26 Atwater Street, New Haven
Dixwell / Newhallville Senior Center at 255 Goffe Street, New Haven (People with wheelchairs will need assistance to help travel up ramp)
East Shore Senior Center at 411 Townsend Avenue, New Haven
The following locations will serve as a “cooling center” for the general public:
New Haven Free Public Library Main Building is located at 133 Elm Street; Open Mon-Thurs 10 – 8, Fri & Sat 10 – 5
Fair Haven Branch Library is located at 182 Grand Avenue; Open Mon & Tues 10 – 6, Wed & Thurs 12 – 6, Sat 10 – 5
Mitchell Branch Library is located at 37 Harrison Street; Open Mon 12 – 8, Tues 12 – 6, Wed & Thurs 10 – 6, Sat 10 – 5
Stetson Branch Library is located at 200 Dixwell Avenue in the Dixwell Plaza; Open Mon & Tues 10 – 6, Wed 12 – 8, Thurs 12 – 6, Sat 10 – 5
Courtland Seymour Wilson Branch Library is located at 303 Washington Avenue; Open Mon 12 – 6, Tues 12 – 8, Wed & Thurs 10 – 6, Sat 10 – 5
The following are City Parks with Splash pads which can be used for cooling off daily from 900 AM – 800 PM. Check each location as some are being repaired.
South Genesee Park, located on South Genesee Street
Cedar Hill Playground, located at View Street and Rock Streets
Edgewood Park located, located on the corner of Chapel Street & Ella T. Grasso Blvd
Kensington Street Park, located between Edgewood Ave & Chapel Street (Closed for repairs)
Jocelyn Square Park, located on the corner of Humphrey & East Streets
Ann Street Park, located between Kossuth & West Streets
Trowbridge Square Park, located at Cedar & Portsea Streets
Galvin Park, located at Greenwich Avenue & First Street
Lighthouse Point Park, located at 2 Lighthouse Road
Scantlebury Park, located at Ashmum Street & Bristol Street
Edgewood Park, located at Ella T. Grasso Blvd & Stanley Street
Dover Beach, located on Front Street
The following homeless shelters are open during the day:
Liberty Safe Haven Drop-In Center- 210 State St
The 180 Center Drop-In Center – 793 Grand Avenue
Taking Initiative Center Drop-In Center 514 Whalley Avenue
Fellowship Place Drop-In Center – 441 Elm Street
Youth Continuum Drop-In Center (youth) – 924 Grand Avenue