HV Districts Post Heat Advisories On First Day Of School

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Another scorcher Tuesday brings temps 15 degrees higher than normal for this time of year, and the heat index to push 100 in parts of the Hudson Valley. A few local school districts have started the 2017-18 school year this day after Labor Day; and several have issued their own warnings, just as Heat Advisories have been issued for many areas of the state.

Chappaqua officials posted this on the district website:

To beat the heat, students and staff are encouraged to dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting, yet appropriate clothing.
Building principals will monitor indoor air quality and maximize use of cooler rooms.
Outdoor/recess activities will be limited to shaded areas and our coaches will ensure that student-athletes remain well-hydrated and safe during practice.

Bedford schools Superintendent Christopher Manno sent this email to the community:

As they deem appropriate and based on specific building conditions and opportunities for shade, the principals will limit outdoor activity and recess for children/students in the direct sun. Based on their judgment, principals will utilize to the greatest extent possible any air-conditioned and cooler spaces in their schools. Coach Coughlin will give specific direction to coaches to keep our athletes safe and healthy during practice/competition. We do not plan to dismiss early due to the heat.
Everyone, please dress comfortably, yet appropriately.

This kind of heat creates an increased risk of heat stress and heat-related illness. People who are susceptible to heat related illnesses including young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work, and those who have respiratory diseases such as asthma should take necessary steps to stay cool as temperatures rise.

The National Weather Service says in its heat advisory for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties:

A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

Homes without air can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

The New York State Department of Health has created an online list of cooling centers where people can cool down on days of extreme temperatures. A list of addresses and phone numbers for cooling centers shared by local health departments and emergency management offices in each region is available here.

Heat Tips

Excessive heat is the leading cause of preventable, weather-related deaths each year, particularly among the elderly. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat causes more than 600 preventable deaths in the United States yearly.

People Who Should Be Aware:

• Elderly persons and small children are mostly affected
• Persons with weight or alcohol problems are very susceptible to heat reactions
• Persons on certain medications or drugs

Be Prepared:

• Slow down on strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun's peak hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Exercise should be done in the early morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Eat less protein and more fruits and vegetables. Protein produces and increases metabolic heat, which causes water loss. Eat small meals, but eat more often. Do not eat salty foods
• Drink at least two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine
• If possible, stay out of the sun and stay in air conditioning. The sun heats the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a public building with air conditioning
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head. When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body
• Do not leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or vehicle during periods of intense summer heat. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill within a matter of minutes
• Make an effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are elderly, have young children or have special needs
• Make sure there is enough food and water for pets

Know the Signs of Heat Related Illness:

Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. Call 911 if you or someone you know shows signs or symptoms of heat illness, including headache, light headedness, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting. For more information on how to stay safe during periods of excessive heat, click here.

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