Hey guys, normally we do not post on Mondays but we felt that this is very important.

As you know, we are in the midst of yet another heat wave.  So we’d like to give you some info that can help get through the next week (and we will be sure to repost this if we get this string of hot days again) for you, your family and your pets.

We just want everyone to be safe, healthy and feelin’ good!  So here we go…

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The city has announced that they have opened up cooling centers in the following locations:

* Stamford Government Center 888 Washington Blvd.  from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Stamford Fire Department Headquarters  629 Main St. from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Long Ridge Fire House 366 Long Ridge Road  from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Remember, you can also go to the mall, library, Target (grab something at Starbucks or the snack shop and pull up a chair!).

Note: Thank you to Stamford Daily Voice for the info.

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NEVER leave your kids, babies, pets in the car on days like this!  As hot as it is outside, the temps inside a parked vehicle can rise fast and can kill.  ‘Running in for a minute’ to the store is not an excuse—that one minute can be deadly in excessive heat.

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KEEP HYDRATED!  We know you are probably sick of hearing this, but it is very important. Water is certainly important, but if you are going to be outside for any length of time, grab something like Gataorade to help replace some electolytes and restore what you may have sweated out. (and no, cold beer doesn’t count)

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Try to limit your time outside and if you have to be out there, wear light, loose fitting clothing. Try also to keep to shaded areas. Keep your phone handy. You never know if you may need to call someone for help for a heat related emergency.  Do yourself a favor, just stay inside in the AC or where it is cooler.

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Be sure to check on both the elderly and little ones as they are most susceptible to the effects of extreme weather.

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If you have to walk your dog, please try to keep them on grassy areas. Pavement can cause severe burns on their paw pads. And bring some water for them too!

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Keep the pets inside. Even if your cat is used to roaming the neighborhood on a daily basis, it’s just too dangerous for them to be outside. Plus, they may not have easy access to water when they are out.

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Learn the signs of a heat stroke: (thanks to mayoclinic.com for this information)

Heatstroke symptoms include:

• High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
• A lack of sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel moist.
• Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
• Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
• Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
• Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
• Headache. You may experience a throbbing headache.
• Confusion. You may have seizures, hallucinate, or have difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying.
• Unconsciousness. You may pass out or fall into a state of deep unconsciousness (coma).
• Muscle cramps or weakness. Your muscles may feel tender or cramped in the early stages of heatstroke, but may later go rigid or limp.

Heatstroke follows two less serious heat-related conditions:

• Heat cramps. Heat cramps are caused by initial exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion. Signs and symptoms of heat cramps usually include excess sweating, fatigue, thirst and cramps, usually in the stomach, arms or legs. This condition is common in very hot weather or with moderate to heavy physical activity. You can usually treat heat cramps by drinking water or fluids containing electrolytes (Gatorade or other sports drinks), resting and getting to a cool spot, like a shaded or air-conditioned area.
• Heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion occurs when you don’t act on the signs and symptoms of heat cramps and your condition worsens. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include a headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, skin that feels cool and moist, and muscle cramps. Often with heat exhaustion, you can treat the condition yourself by following the same measures used to treat heat cramps, such as drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages, getting into an air-conditioned area or taking a cool shower. If your symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately.

When to see a doctor
If you think a person may be experiencing heatstroke, seek immediate medical help. Call 911 or your local emergency services number.

Take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment.

• Help the person move to a shaded location and remove excess clothing.
• Place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person’s head, neck, armpits and groin.
• Mist the person with water while a fan is blowing on him or her.