Heat Advisory Issued for Westchester and Putnam Through Thursday
With temperatures predicted to reach the over 90 degrees in parts of the lower Hudson Valley on Wednesday and Thursday the counties of Westchester and Putnam have issued a heat advisory and urged residents to stay out of the heat and take precautions against suffering from heat-related illness. The advisory is in place from noon on Wednesday through 8 p.m. om Thursday.
It is recommended that residents avoid strenuous activity and drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids.
“Heat or sun stroke is the most dangerous type of heat-related illness and causes several hundred deaths in the United States each year. Heat stroke occurs when a person’s body temperature goes over 105 degrees Fahrenheit. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911,” said Putnam’s Commissioner of Health Allen Beals.
Symptoms of heat stroke include hot, dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid, weak pulse; and confusion. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately.
“Heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise,” said Sherlita Amler, 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,” she added.
Anyone at any time, even those who are physically fit, can suffer heat-related illness. Also, people with diabetes or chronic respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, may find that their conditions get worse during the summer months.
“A person may not have heat or sun stroke, but can experience heat exhaustion and heat cramps. Heat exhaustion symptoms include cold, pale, clammy skin, fainting and vomiting. Move the person to an area out of the direct sunlight and put a washcloth or towel with cool water on the back of their neck or forehead. Give them water every 15 minutes for one hour,” Beals added.
Heat cramps are painful spasms in the legs and abdomen. To relieve heat cramps, apply pressure on the cramping muscles or gently massage them. As in the case of heat exhaustion, give the person sips of water every 15 minutes for one hour.
To ensure a safe summer, the health commissioners recommend these steps to stay cool in hot weather:
- Drink plenty of fluid. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Water is best because it replenishes your body’s natural fluids. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Do not eat a lot of food high in protein, which increases your body heat.
- Engage in physical activity during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Try not to go outside during the hottest part of the day – between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Stay indoors in a cool or air-conditioned place.
- Never leave a person or pet in a parked vehicle, even if you expect it to be a short period of time.
It is also encouraged all residents to check on their elderly relatives and neighbors during heat waves.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
