Westchester Cooling Centers Readied To Open As Dangerous Temps Arrive

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The Westchester Department of Health is reminding the public that there are options available as a potentially deadly heatwave moves into the region, and the time to start thinking about precautions is now.

The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for Westchester County from noon on Tuesday until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, with the heat expected to continue through the end of the week. During this time, heat index values are expected to reach between 95º F and 100º F, which can pose significant health risks, according to the Westchester County Department of Health.

Residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from the effects of the heat. It will be important to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.

Seniors and individuals with chronic health problems are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can end up being much hotter than outdoors. Be sure to use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Health Department recommends scheduling frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

• Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that causes many deaths annually. Symptoms to watch out for include hot red, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 and cool the overheated person while waiting for help to arrive.
• Heat exhaustion symptoms include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, as well as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin. Anyone with these symptoms should move out of the sun and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.

"People who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from the heat include the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions," Westchester County Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, MD said. "Heat stroke and dehydration can surprise you. High humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke."

Amler reminded residents to never leave children, pets or people in a closed vehicle, no matter how brief the time, because the interior can quickly rise to a life-threatening 140º F or more.

"During a heat wave, seniors, young children and people with compromised immunity especially should avoid vigorous outdoor activity, seek the shade, spend time in air-conditioned locations and drink lots of water throughout the day," Amler added. "Especially when they’re swimming and playing in the water, children often forget to drink, so parents and caregivers should prompt children to take breaks to hydrate."

Those who plan to travel by car should prepare their vehicle before leaving. It is recommended to always travel with a spare battery and avoid leaving radios, chargers and other accessories running when the engine is not. Air conditioning should be checked to see if it is properly working and if the coolant is at the proper level. If you will be traveling in less populated areas, bring water and an umbrella for shade if it becomes necessary to leave the vehicle. Air should constantly flow throughout the vehicle, and parking in the shade is advised.

Tips on preventing heat-related illness can be found here.

Senior centers, libraries, community centers, indoor malls, supermarkets, bookstores and coffee shops can offer relief from the heat. The NYS Department of Health's list of cooling centers by county can be viewed here. Check with your city/town/village for additional cooling centers.

The NYS DEC has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Westchester from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Ground Level Ozone. When pollution levels are elevated, the NYS Department of Health recommends limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Air quality updates can be found here. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation forecasts daily ozone conditions here. There is also a NYS Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-535-1345.

Westchester County's Department of Emergency Services says that it is monitoring the weather forecast, tracking the opening of local cooling centers, and is in contact with Con Edison and NYSEG concerning the potential for power outages.

SEE ALSO: See Which Westchester Beaches And Pools Will Be Open For Heatwave