New London — With high temperatures predicted for the next several days, the city is opening a cooling center in the first-floor meeting room of the Public Library of New London, 63 Huntington St. It will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

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[naviga:li]Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]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.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]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.[/naviga:li]

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Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

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[naviga:li]Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness. If you must be outdoors, try to limit activity to the morning and evening, avoid direct sunlight and rest often in shady areas.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Stay in air-conditioned buildings, such as a shelter, as much as possible. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Take cool showers or baths.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Check on those most at-risk several times a day.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Drink more water than usual — from two to four cups every hour while working or exercising outside — and don't wait until you're thirsty, as your body loses fluids through sweat. Remind others to drink enough water.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Avoid alcohol or liquids containing a lot of sugar.[/naviga:li]

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