Bridgeport, CT – The Bridgeport EOC in conjunction with Mayor Ganim advises all residents to take caution and seek refuge in cooling centers during normal business hours. Residents may utilize any of the locations listed below to seek shelter during periods of heat and increased health risk for those who have asthma. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the heat. Homeless communities may also visit shelters to seek refuge during the air quality advisory by calling 211. Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective 12:00 p.m. Sunday , July 14, 2024, and remaining in effect through 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Cooling Centers:
Senior Centers (Open weekdays only)
Black Rock Senior Center – 2676 Fairfield Avenue, (8:00am- 3:00pm)
East Side Senior Center – 268 Putnam Street (8:00am- 3:00pm)
Eisenhower Senior Center – 307 Golden Hill Street, (8:00am-3:00pm)
North End Bethany Senior Center – 20 Thorme Street, (8:00am- 3:00pm)
Bridgeport Firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire at the 1000 block of Stratford Ave, where they found a small fire that they quickly knocked down. They are currently checking for any extension to the attic.
On April 30, 2024, the Norwalk Police Department received a complaint regarding a Norwalk Public School employee allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a student. The Norwalk Police Department Special Victims Unit assumed the investigation. During the investigation, it was determined that Luisa Melchionne, a Nathan Hale Middle School Guidance Counselor, was sexually involved with a male student. An arrest warrant was issued for Melchionne, and she was arrested without incident. Melchionne, 47 years old, is no longer employed by the Norwalk Public Schools. She was arrested on July 11, 2024, and charged with Sexual Assault 2nd degree and two counts of Risk of Injury to a Minor. Her bond was set at $500,000.
Cooling Centers Are Open and Can be Located by Calling 2-1-1 or Visiting 211ct.org
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that as another heat wave is expected to approach Connecticut in the coming days, he is directing Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024, and remaining in effect through 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe hot weather conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide.
To find a cooling center in Connecticut, call 2-1-1 or view the list that is being published online at 211ct.org.
“We just had a heat wave over the first few days of this week, and while it remains hot outside today, it’s looking like another stretch of potentially even hotter weather will impact Connecticut this coming week, particularly from Sunday to Wednesday,” Governor Lamont said. “These high temperatures combined with high dew points can be very dangerous for certain populations. Our state, local, and nonprofit partners are coordinating on the necessary operations for cooling centers to open throughout Connecticut. Anyone who needs a cool place to get some relief can call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to get directed their nearest cooling center. Additionally, 2-1-1 can connect anyone in need with the transportation necessary to get to a cooling center.”
The following actions are implemented while Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is enacted:
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.
Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.
Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC in order to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.
The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:
Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take cool showers or baths.
Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.
Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods extreme heat. Because bodies lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common while experiencing very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:
Drink more water than usual.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
Report of a 2 car accident between a U Haul truck and a car on I-95 Northbound by Exit 34. They are in the left lane so expect traffic as the highway is currently down to one lane.
State and Trumbull Police are looking for two suspects who fled after an attempt to stop them for erratic behavior and possibly a stolen vehicle off exit 10 of Route 8. Police are searching in the Hilltop Circle/Drive area. K9 on the way. They may have allegedly tried to drive into a Shelton Police car.
On July 9, 2024, officers were dispatched to West Avenue and Fairfield Avenue in response to a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle. The operator, Michael Marin, had lost control of his motorcycle and crashed on Fairfield Avenue. At the scene, officers found an unholstered, loaded silver-colored firearm. Michael Marin was arrested, and during the search, officers seized a large amount of narcotics and cash. Marin, a convicted felon with an extensive history of firearms and narcotics offenses, was also under a protective order prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. Officers recovered 28.2 grams (98 glassine folds) of heroin, a firearm (9mm Colt 38 Super) with 10 rounds, and $870 in cash from Marin.
Michael Marin was charged with possession with intent to sell narcotics, carrying a pistol without a permit, criminal possession of a pistol/revolver, and violation of a protective order. His bond was set at $75,000. Additionally, Marin was issued infractions for operating a motor vehicle without a license, no motorcycle license, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.
