With the National Weather Service today extending the Heat Advisory for Westchester County through Sunday, at 8 p.m., the county’s Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler is urging residents to take precautions. With heat index values expected to reach between 95 and 100 degrees, Amler emphasizes that the high temperatures pose significant health risks.
Storms that could break out each afternoon or evening could bring temporary relief, but overall the trend that has resulted in new high temperature records being set in many communities is expected to continue. A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.
“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,“ Amler 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.”
Symptoms of what stroke include hot red, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. When heat stroke is suspected, 911 should be called and the overheated person should be cooled while waiting for emergency help to arrive. Another concern during a heat wave is heat exhaustion. Signs include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, as well as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin. Anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should move out of the sun and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.
“To avoid tragedy, never leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time,” Amler said. “Closed vehicles can quickly heat up to a life-threatening 140 degrees Fahrenheit 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. 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.”
The county’s Department of Emergency Services 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.
