County: Take Precautions as Heat Rises

With temperatures hitting 90 degrees in the Rivertowns today, Westchester County has issued an air quality alert.

"As temperatures rise, residents should avoid strenuous activity, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine and seek air-conditioned spaces to avoid heat-related illness," the Department of Health said in a statement Monday afternoon. "Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot, dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid, weak pulse; and confusion."

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation calls today's and tomorrow's air quality "unhealthy for sensitive groups" in the greater New York Metro area.

According to Westchester County Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, MD, "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."

When someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, the department noted body temperature remains normal, but the person can suffer from headaches, nausea, dizziness and exhaustion.

The best way to treat heat exhaustion is to hydrate the person and "encourage them to cool off."

The Department of Health suggests abiding by the following preventative measures:

• NEVER leave children, pets or those who need special care in a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a closed car can quickly soar to more than 140 degrees inside and this can be life-threatening.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, the very young and those with special needs.
• Drink at least two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you aren’t thirsty.
• Avoid beverages that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar - these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.  Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors, ideally, in an air-conditioned place.  If your house or apartment isn't air-conditioned, try spending time at a shopping mall, public library or even the grocery store.  A few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back to a warmer place.
• Some municipalities open or extend hours at some public buildings to create cooling centers. Check with your local city, town or village for the latest updates.
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor of at least 15 and a hat to protect your face and head. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. Try to avoid the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when it is strongest.
• Assure pets have enough water and food and limit their exercise during high temperature times.