WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEAT ADVISORY EXTENDED.
Heat Advisory Continues Through Saturday, August 3 at 7 p.m.;
Isolated or Scattered Flash Floods Possible Through Saturday, August 3 at 8 a.m.
(White Plains, NY) – The National Weather Service has extended a Heat Advisory for Westchester County from 1 p.m. Friday, August 2 through 8 p.m. Saturday, August 3, and cautioned that showers and thunderstorms could cause heavy wind gusts and isolated or scattered flash floods through 8 a.m. Saturday. During this period, heat and humidity are expected to combine to make outdoor temperatures feel like 100 degrees.
With heat, humidity and air quality in mind, the Westchester County Health Department reminds residents that these conditions pose significant health risks. To counter the effects, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.
Westchester County Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Seek the shade, drink lots of water, and be sure all the people and pets in your life do, too. Take it easy when it is so hot and humid. People who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from the heat include the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions. Heat stroke and dehydration can surprise you. High humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”
Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to an air conditioned place. If you don't have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.
Amler said: “Seniors may forget to drink enough water and can become dehydrated, as can young children, so be mindful of the need to hydrate.”
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Health Department recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
· Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot red, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke and immediately cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive.
· Another concern during a heat wave is heat exhaustion. Signs include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, as well as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin. Anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should move out of the sun and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.
Amler said: “To avoid tragedy, never leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time. Closed vehicles can quickly heat up to a life-threatening 140ยบ F or more.”
Those who plan to travel by car should check their tire pressure, tread and fluids, bring a cell phone charger, spare tire and jack. Be sure your coolant is at the proper level. If you plan to travel in less populated areas, bring water and an umbrella for shade if it becomes necessary to leave the car. Always keep air flowing throughout the vehicle, and try to park in the shade.
For relief from the heat, residents can cool off at a County beach or pool. Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All four pools, Saxon Woods in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and Tibbetts in Yonkers and Willson’s Waves in Mount Vernon are all open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Last entry at all facilities is at 6 p.m. Proof of Westchester County residency is required at Glen Island Beach and all pools. Admission fees apply; parking fees apply at Glen Island, Croton and Tibbetts.
Elevated heat and humidity can also lead to unhealthy levels of ozone, a gas produced by the action of sunlight on organic air contaminants from auto exhaust and other sources. For air quality updates, go to https://www.airnow.gov. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forecasts daily ozone conditions at (http://www.dec.ny.gov), or call the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
The County’s Department of Emergency Services is monitoring the weather forecast, tracking the opening of local Cooling Centers and is in contact with Con Edison and NYSEG concerning the potential for power outages.
For more tips to prevent heat-related illness and places to stay cool, residents can visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health.
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