Ozone Alert, Heat Advisory for Yorktown and Somers

The ozone alert continues and Westchester County has issued a Heat Advisory.

Rockland and Westchester air is unhealthy today for sensitive groups, according to the Air Quality Index of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. The alert spans the New York City metro area.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo urged New Yorkers to take precautions.

“Temperatures are expected to climb significantly across the state this week, and it’s important for New Yorkers to take appropriate precautions,” Cuomo said. “I encourage everyone to remain indoors when possible, stay hydrated, and check on any neighbors who may need assistance. Together, we can make sure that everyone stays safe during the period of extreme heat.”

Temperatures in the mid-90s will feel like 100-105, according to AccuWeather.com.

“There are no two ways to spin it… it’s going to be oppressive on Wednesday,” said Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather.

For the dreadful details: Click here for Somers and Yorktown’s in-depth weather forecast.

From the County:

With hot and humid weather forecast and temperatures expected to reach or exceed 90 degrees in parts of the county throughout the week, the Westchester County Health Department is issuing a heat advisory. As temperatures rise, residents are advised to avoid strenuous activity, drink plenty of non-alcoholic, uncaffeinated beverages and take precautions to prevent heat-related illness.

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.

“Heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise,” said Sherlita Amler, MD, Westchester County commissioner of health. “The elderly, young children and those with high blood pressure, heart disease or lung conditions need to be especially careful to avoid heat-related illnesses. High humidity and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”

While less dangerous than heat stroke, heat exhaustion also poses concerns. Seniors, children up to age four, people who are overweight or who have high blood pressure and those who work in hot environments are most at risk. Signs include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, as well as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin. People suffering from heat exhaustion should be moved out of the sun and have cool, wet cloths applied to their skin.

Health Department recommendations to prevent heat-related illnesses:

• • Drink two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you aren’t thirsty.
  • Limit any strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun’s peak hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Take frequent breaks and drink lots of water if you work outside.
  • Exercise when it is cooler, during early morning hours or in the evening.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks. These cause you to lose more body fluid.

Stay indoors, ideally in an air-conditioned place. If your house or apartment isn’t air-conditioned, try spending a few hours at a shopping mall, public library, movie theater or supermarket. A few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. For addresses and phone numbers of libraries and senior centers, go tohttp://health.westchestergov.com/stay-safe-in-the-sun.

For additional relief from the heat, local senior centers, community centers and libraries are often designated as cooling centers when needed. Residents should check with their municipality for the latest availability, hours and locations. Yonkers has seven cooling centers open today; New Rochelle has two.

• • For Mount Vernon, go to www.cmvny.com
  • For New Rochelle, go to www.newrochelleny.com
  • For Port Chester, go to www.portchesterny.com
  • For Peekskill, go to www.cityofpeekskill.com
  • For Rye Town, go to www.townofrye.com
  • For Yonkers, go to www.yonkersny.gov/keepcool
  • For Ossining Village, go to www.villageofossining.org

Some other ideas:

• • Take a cool shower or bath and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities during the hottest time of day.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and by using a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
  • NEVER leave anyone - a person or animal - in a closed, parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can quickly exceed 140º F, which is life-threatening.
  • Neighbors should check on elderly neighbors to make sure they are safe.
  • Bring pets inside and be sure to provide them with plenty of water.

Elevated heat and humidity can also lead to unhealthy ozone levels. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forecasts daily ozone conditions on its website, http://www.dec.ny.gov, for the New York Metropolitan area, which includes Westchester County. Air quality updates are also provided daily on the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345. Ozone is a gas produced by the action of sunlight on organic air contaminants from automobile exhausts and other sources. Significant exposure to ozone in the air has been linked with adverse health effects. These may include nose and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms and decreases in lung function.

People who experience these symptoms should speak with a healthcare provider. Those who may be especially sensitive to the effects of ozone exposure include the very young, those who exercise outdoors or are involved in strenuous outdoor work and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma. When ozone levels are elevated, the Westchester County Department of Health recommends limiting strenuous physical activity outdoors to reduce the risk of adverse effects.

From the governor’s office:

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 (CDC), heat causes more than 650 preventable deaths in the United States each year. In most years, excessive heat causes more deaths than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service statistics, there have been more than 80 deaths directly attributable to heat in New York State since 2006.

The expected high temperatures are prompting the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) to offer New Yorkers tips to help them stay safe.

“Although excessive heat and humidity may seem like a normal part of summer, it needs to be taken very seriously, particularly for older individuals, infants and young children, and those participating in outdoor activities,” said DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses so you know what to do if you or someone you know experiences heat-related health issues.”

“Basic precautions can be taken to stay cool during hot weather, such as wearing light-colored clothing, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying in an air-conditioned environment,” said DHSES Commissioner John Melville. “Also check on neighbors and friends or family who may be at risk.”

To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat, DOH and DHSES offer this advice:

· Minimize, if possible, strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun’s peak hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
· Exercise during early morning hours or in the evening, when the temperatures tend to be lower.
· Drink at least 2-4 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 seek air-conditioned settings. The sun heats the inner core of your body, which may result in dehydration. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a building with air conditioning (such as libraries, malls, supermarkets, or friends’homes).
· If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor (SPF) rating of at least 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.
· Never leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or other vehicles 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 the elderly, infants and young children, or others with special needs.
· Make sure there is enough water and food for pets and limit their exercise during periods of extreme temperatures.

Individuals who are often at greatest risk during periods of excessive heat include:

· Elderly persons, infants and small children
· Persons with weight or alcohol problems
· Persons on certain medications or drugs