Staying Safe In The HV In Excessive Heat, Dirty Air

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As the region continues to experience dangerous conditions from high heat and air pollution, staying safe takes thought and planning.

An excessive heat warning continues for southern Westchester County until 8 p.m. Friday, as temps are expected to be in the upper 90s and the humidity will make it feel like 106 degrees.

Heat advisories are in place for Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster and northern Westchester counties until 8 p.m., as heat indices could reach 104 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

"Every year, many people suffer from the negative health effects of extreme heat," said Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Ruppert. "While summertime heat and humid weather can be dangerous for anyone, it is especially dangerous for older adults, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart problems and breathing or lung problems."

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. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke and immediately cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive.

Frequent breaks and drinking lots of water can help prevent 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.

If you're sensitive to bad air, consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity. When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure — specially during the afternoon to early evening, when ozone levels are the highest. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor.

Those who plan to travel by car should prepare their vehicle before hitting the road. Always travel with a spare battery, and avoid leaving radios, phone chargers and other accessories running when the engine is not. Check to make sure your air conditioning is properly functioning and 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.

Never leave children, pets or people in a car. Temperatures can quickly rise to unsafe levels, so always look before you lock your vehicles.

Health officials recommend:

• Use air-conditioning to cool down. If you do not have air conditioning, spend time in air-conditioned places such as libraries, movie theaters, malls, town and village halls, or other public buildings during the hottest hours of the day. Cooling centers are places where people may go to cool down during hot weather. Before going to a place to cool down, it's important to call ahead to make sure it's open.
• Drink plenty of fluids - don't wait until you are thirsty to drink more fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Make sure children and older adults are drinking water and ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids in easy reach.
• Beat the heat with cool showers and baths.
• Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Avoid activities that involve a lot of energy or effort during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and take many breaks from physical activity.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.
• Wear sunscreen and a lightweight hat (straw or mesh is best) outdoors, even if it is cloudy.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications can increase the risk of sun or heat-related illness. Be aware that some medicines can cause the skin to burn more easily or affect the body's ability to sweat and stay cool. Talk to your doctor about possible heat or sun-related side effects of your medication, and do NOT stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
• Check on your neighbors, such as older adults or those in poor health, to see if they need assistance.
• Walk your dog on the grass if possible, and bring lots of water on walks.

SEE ALSO

• Two Putnam Libraries Open For Residents To Cool Off
• Cooling Centers Open In Yorktown

Don't forget, you can stay comfortable and keep your energy costs down. O&R suggests:

• Set your air conditioner to the highest temperature your comfort and health will allow to help you save cooling money.
• Close all doors and windows in your home while the air conditioning is running to make things cooler at a lower price.
• Cook, bake or perform other household activities that produce heat and humidity during the cooler times of the day and night.
• Pull your curtains and shades closed to help block out the sun and the heat of the day.

The weekend weather will be a different kind of severe. On Saturday, heavy rain looks to focus over portions of the Mid-Atlantic, and a slight risk of excessive rainfall is in place and scattered flash floods are possible. A few severe thunderstorms could also occur.