CITY OF HARTFORD                                                                               DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES                                                 131 Coventry Street                                         Hartford, Connecticut   06112                                           Telephone:  (860) 543-8860                                                  Fax:  (860) 722-6851 www.hartford.gov
EDDIE A. PEREZ Mayor		CARLOS RIVERA Director

Health Advisory from the City of Hartford

 

--- News and Community Release---

 

(June 9, 2008)--- To help beat the heat, Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will open cooling stations today from noon to 8:00 pm at the following facilities:

 

Parker Memorial Center/Kelvin D. Anderson Gymnasium, 2621 North Main Street;

Pope Park, 30 Pope Park Drive

Metzner Wellness Center, 680 Franklin Avenue. 

 

City spray pads will also be available from noon to Dusk at Pope Park North, Hyland, Southend/Metzner, Day Playground, Sigourney, Goodwin, Bracket, Willie Ware, Forster, Lozada and Waverly Parks.

 

HHS officials ask parents and guardians to not allow children to sit on the spray heads as this can cause injury.  Please also do not allow children to clog the drains to create wading areas as this can damage the system causing it to have to be shut down! 

 

HHS is asking city residents to take the following precautions during this heat alert. 

1.      Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

2.      Avoid prolonged work in the sun or in poorly ventilated areas. 

3.      Stay in cool, air-conditioned environments.

4.      Do not leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

 

If severe weather strikes or if there’s a power outage, the American Red Cross recommends:

1.      Pick a safe place in your home where there are no windows, skylights or glass doors.

2.      Unplug appliances.

3.      Have a flashlight ready and do not use candles.

4.      Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer.

5.      Have water available for hydration.

 

HHS advises residents and businesses to take precautions against food-borne illnesses that can occur during oppressive heat because of accelerated bacteria growth.

 

Here’s what you can do:

1. Wash hands well and often with soap and water.
2. Wash surfaces when cooking, keeping raw food separate from cooked food.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator and not on the kitchen counter.
4. Cook food thoroughly using a meat thermometer.
5. Refrigerate and freeze food promptly, including leftovers.
6. Keep meat cold until ready to grill.  Do not leave it out at room temperature.