Westchester County Health Department issues heat advisory

August 28, 2018

Westchester County Health Department issues heat advisory

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by County Legislator Terry Clements.

With high humidity and temperatures forecasted to exceed 95 degrees in Westchester County Tuesday through Thursday, the Westchester County Health Department is issuing a heat advisory. Residents should avoid strenuous activity, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, 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.

Another concern during a heat wave is heat exhaustion. 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.

Take these precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses:

  • If you exercise or work outdoors during extreme heat, drink lots of water and take frequent breaks.
  • Limit strenuous activity from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and use a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks, which cause you to lose more body fluid.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • NEVER leave people or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
  • Check on elderly or ill neighbors to make sure they are safe.
  • Bring pets inside and be sure to provide them with plenty of water.
  • Stay indoors, ideally in an air-conditioned place.
  • If your house or apartment isn’t air-conditioned, spend a few hours in an air-conditioned shopping mall, public library, movie theater or supermarket. Call ahead to verify the hours of a library or senior center near you where you can cool off. For contact information, go to http://health.westchestergov.com/stay-safe-in-the-sun.
  • Check with your municipality for the latest availability, hours and locations of cooling centers.

Elevated heat and humidity can also lead to unhealthy levels of ozone, a gas produced by the action of sunlight on organic air contaminants from auto exhaust and other sources.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forecasts daily ozone conditions at (http://www.dec.ny.gov), or call the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

Significant exposure to ozone has been linked with adverse health effects, such as nose and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms and decreased 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.