Peekskill Activates Cooling Center Policy

PEEKSKILL, NY — Due to the ongoing heat, and the expected three days of 90-plus degree temperatures, the city of Peekskill activated its cooling center policy.

City officials said the Neighborhood Center dining room will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with free WiFi for anyone seeking an air-conditioned environment.

The Field Library is open as well, for its normal hours, and the City Office of Emergency Management will be checking that the senior apartment building managers are taking appropriate measures as well.

The city provides the following information about protecting your health as well as your family and neighbors:

Heat-related illness is becoming an important public health issue. Many environmental factors are expected to increase the number of heat waves, so it is important to be informed and prepared. The combination of heat, people at risk and lack of protective factors can create serious health effects, even death.

Who is at risk?

• First heat wave is the hardest
• Takes 3- 12 days to adjust

People taking certain medications such as anti-Parkinson medication and antidepressants.
People with chronic illness including cardiac and respiratory conditions, dementia or mental illness.

• No access to air conditioning.
• Poor fluid intake (need a minimum of 6-8 glasses, 250 ml = 1 glass).
• Use of caffeine-containing drinks (including coffee, tea, colas).
• Drinking alcohol (as it is dehydrating).
• Living on the third floor or higher.
• Social isolation.
• Remember that anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, especially early in the season when people are not yet acclimatized.
• The more protective factors you have, the less likely you are to suffer from a heat-related illness.
• A lack of protective factors is the most likely reason to suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

To beat the heat, be sure to protect yourself and others:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Stay out of the sun and heat.
• Find a cool place to spend the day, i.e. libraries, community centers or shopping malls.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors.
• Check in on neighbors and friends who are particularly vulnerable.

Get help from a friend or seek medical attention if you been in the heat and have these signs:

• Rapid breathing.
• Weakness, dizziness or fainting.
• More tiredness than usual.
• Headache.
• Confusion.
• Muscle cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Consult your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are concerned about any medication you are taking.

You can help someone with heat illness by doing these things:

• Call for help.
• Take extra clothing off the person.
• Cool the person with lukewarm water, by sponging or bathing.
• Move the person to a cooler place.
• Give the person sips of cool water, not ice cold water.