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North Branford Public Cooling Stations Open

According to information distributed by East Shore District Health Department (ESDHD), "...air conditioning is the best protection against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat related illness by spending time in public places that are air conditioned."

With the area's oppressive heat continuing, Town Manager Michael Paulhus is reminding residents that the town's cooling stations are open for those who need an air conditioned place to find respite during the day and on weekends.

The following locations are cooling centers for the Town of North Branford:

Stanley T. Williams Community Center, 1332 Middletown Avenue (Northford): Monday - Thursday 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon, Sunday 6:30 a.m. to noon

Atwater Public Library, 1720 Foxon Road (Route 80) and Edward Smith Public Library, 2 Old Post Road (Northford): Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.

North Branford Town Hall, 909 Foxon Road (Route 80): Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The ESDHD notes extreme heat is when temperatures are 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature and lasts an extended period of time. While the body normally cools itself through sweating, in some conditions, such as high humidity, sweating isn't enough and a person's body temperature can rise rapidly, leading to heat-related illnesses including heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps. The elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk; but even young, healthy individuals can be affected while playing sports or working hard during the hot weather.

For more information from ESDHD on safety during extreme heat conditions, including symptoms and responses for hot weather health emergencies, view the district's Extreme Heat safety information flyer here

ESDHD serves the towns of North Branford, Branford and East Haven.