Cooling centers provide heat relief

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- With scorching temperatures across the state many are asking what to do if they don't have air conditioning? Where can they go?

You can always head to cooling centers set up all over the state. News 8 stopped in two senior centers. The one in Hartford is staying open later the next few days because they know that after 4 or 5 p.m. it will still be hot and humid and a lot of seniors have nowhere else to keep cool.

On any day, C.P. McCarthy says it's pretty cool hanging out with his friend's at Hartford's North End Senior Center, but on a hot, humid day it's cool for the obvious reason: the cooling center.

"It's wonderful," McCarthy said.

"Are you going to stay around until 8," asked News 8's Erin Logan.

"Probably close to it, 6 or 7," McCarthy said.

He was thrilled to find out that Mayor Pedro Segarra is allowing the cooling center to stay open until 8 p.m., instead of 5 p.m.

"They're wonderful," McCarthy said. "They care about us seniors."

Others cooling off say this may just be their home away from home when it's hot.

"It's really special they're leaving their door open until 8," said Connie Jones.

In Southington, many seniors tell News 8 they are lucky enough to have air conditioning at home, but just want to come and socialize. They do know some friends who like to come in and cool off, but they'll have to go to the library once the center closes at 4:30 p.m.

"It's supposed to peak at 5., so they're not gonna cool off until the sun goes down," said Art Rentz. "So, I think they should make it more convenient for people who need it."

So where do seniors go after 4:30 when the senior center closes? The executive director assures us, there is a solution.

"We would transport them down there and pick them up," said Robert Verterame, Southington Senior Center.

The town's plan is to keep the library open as a cooling center until 9 p.m.

However, the senior center's executive director says they're always willing to help people out.

"If they want us to stay open longer, then we'll do it," Verterame said.

In Hartford, there will be four cooling centers this week including the senior center. The hours are from noon to 8 p.m.

Click here to find other cooling centers around the state.