The Summer Internship Program is sponsored by the New Canaan Racquet Club.
New Canaan officials are urging residents to take precautions as dangerously high temperatures are expected to continue through Independence Day weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for New Canaan from Wednesday at noon through Saturday evening, prompting the town to activate cooling centers and implement additional safety measures.
Russ Kimes III, the town’s director of emergency management, said the town’s primary concern is ensuring residents understand the dangers of prolonged heat exposure.
“Of course our greatest concern is ensuring that people take extreme heat seriously,” Kimes said. “People should stay well hydrated, stay out of the sun and adjust working hours if possible, be observant of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and never ever leave a child or pet in a car unattended—even for a moment.”
Anyone experiencing a heat-related emergency should immediately call or text 911, he said.
In response to the heat wave, the town has partnered with community organizations to provide cooling shelters for residents. A town robocall went out this week saying that New Canaan Library will serve as a cooling center Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Lapham Community Center will be open Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The New Canaan YMCA will also be available as a cooling shelter on Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Kimes said the town’s Human Services Department has been contacting residents on its vulnerable population list to check on their well-being during the heat. Public safety personnel and first responders have also adjusted their procedures to safely operate in the extreme temperatures, while municipal employees are modifying work practices to reduce heat exposure.
Town officials are encouraging residents to stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids even if they do not feel thirsty, avoid alcohol, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen, and schedule outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day when possible. Those working outdoors should take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Officials are also asking residents to check on elderly neighbors, relatives and others who may be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.