Westchester Reporter

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Westchester County through Thursday, August 1 at 8 p.m. During this period, heat and humidity are expected to combine to make outdoor temperatures feel close to 100 degrees.

The Westchester County Health Department warns residents that these conditions pose significant health risks. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.

Westchester County Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, MD, stated: “The heat can overcome you. Drink lots of water and don’t overexert yourself outdoors when it is this hot and humid. If you leave pets outdoors, be sure they have an abundant supply of water and shade. They need it just like we do.”

Amler noted that the very young, seniors, people who are obese, and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions are most vulnerable to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. She emphasized that high humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.

Heat stroke is described as a serious and life-threatening condition with symptoms including hot red, dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid weak pulse; and confusion. In such cases, calling 911 is advised while immediately cooling the overheated person until emergency help arrives.

Heat exhaustion is another concern during a heat wave with signs including headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion as well as cool moist pale or flushed skin. Individuals suffering from heat exhaustion should move out of the sun and apply cool wet cloths to their skin.

Homes without air conditioning can become much hotter than outdoor temperatures. The Health Department advises using air conditioning or going to an air-conditioned place to stay cool. Checking on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors is also recommended.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments are advised by the Health Department.

Amler reminded residents never to leave people or pets in a car due to rapidly rising temperatures inside vehicles which can reach unsafe levels quickly. "To avoid tragedy," she said "never leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time."

She further advised: “During a heat wave seniors and young children especially should avoid vigorous outdoor activity seek the shade spend time in air-conditioned locations and drink lots of water throughout the day.” Parents were also reminded to prompt children playing in water to take breaks for hydration.

Travelers by car should prepare their vehicle before departure ensuring proper functioning of air conditioning systems checking coolant levels carrying spare cell phone batteries avoiding running accessories when the engine is off bringing water along for trips especially in less populated areas keeping airflow within vehicles constant and parking in shaded areas whenever possible.

For tips on preventing heat-related illness residents can visit www.westchestergov.com/health. To beat the heat county beaches such as Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson as well as pools like Saxon Woods Sprain Ridge Tibbetts Willson’s Waves are open daily with specific hours provided Proof of residency may be required along with applicable admission fees Parking fees apply at certain locations

Residents needing a place to cool off can use the Cooling Center Finder Senior centers libraries community centers indoor malls offer respite from extreme heat though calling ahead for hours is recommended Elevated heat humidity may lead to unhealthy ozone levels produced by sunlight acting on organic contaminants from auto exhaust other sources Air quality updates available at https://www.airnow.gov NY State Department of Environmental Conservation provides daily ozone forecasts via http://www.dec.ny.gov hotline 1-800-535-1345

The County’s Department of Emergency Services monitors weather forecasts tracks local Cooling Centers' status liaises with Con Edison NYSEG regarding potential power outages Further tips on preventing heat-related illness places stay cool available at www.westchestergov.com/health Subscribe weekly My Westchester e-mail newsletter for selected event highlights Enter submit e-mail address