Westchester County Health Department Shares Heat Advisory; Vulnerable Residents Urged to Limit Time Outdoors and Avoid Strenuous Activity
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Westchester County on Friday, July 25, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. During this time, heat and humidity may make outdoor temperatures feel as high as 105 degrees. While some relief is expected overnight, Saturday afternoon temperatures are forecasted to remain in the low 90s.
The Westchester County Health Department advises residents to:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water – Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and stay away from alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Construction workers and others who do lots of physical activity or work outdoors should be conscious of keeping hydrated while on the job. Make sure pets have access to fresh drinking water that is clean and cool.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity and overexertion – Reduce or refrain from strenuous physical activities until the coolest time of the day. At-risk populations such as older people, children, and pregnant women should stay in the coolest place available, which may not necessarily be indoors. (Maybe it’s in the local pool!)
- Check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors – If you know someone who is at risk of heat-related health issues, make sure they are well cared for and in a safe and cool place. Don’t leave children or pets unattended in hot cars.
- Eat light. Go for cool, easy-to-digest foods like fruit, salads or even fruit salad. If you are bringing food somewhere, make sure to put it in a cooler or include ice packs, as meat and dairy products can spoil in the heat.
- Go somewhere cool. Spend some time in an air-conditioned place, whether that’s home, the library, a mall or other public spaces. You can search for your nearest local emergency cooling center by county at the New York Department of Health website. Ensure pets have access to shady spots when outdoors, or keep them inside.
- Ensure pets and outdoor animals have access to shade and fresh water – Residents are also reminded never to leave children or pets in a closed vehicle, as temperatures inside can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.
Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the two primary heat illnesses in the United States. Heat cramps can also occur if the body is not properly hydrated during extreme weather events. Any heat-related illnesses, mainly heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can happen at any temperature above 90 degrees.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also recommends scheduling “frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments” when doing work outdoors.
If you lack air conditioning at home, you may visit a designated cooling center.
en Español
El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Westchester comparte un aviso sobre el calor; Se insta a los residentes vulnerables a limitar el tiempo al aire libre y evitar actividades extenuantes
El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional ha emitido un aviso de calor para el condado de Westchester el viernes 25 de julio, de 11:00 a. m. a 8:00 p. m. Durante este periodo, el calor y la humedad podrían provocar una sensación térmica de hasta 40 °C. Si bien se espera algo de alivio durante la noche, se pronostica que las temperaturas del sábado por la tarde se mantendrán en torno a los 32 °C.
El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Westchester recomienda a los residentes:
- Manténgase hidratado bebiendo abundante agua.
- Evite las actividades extenuantes al aire libre y el esfuerzo excesivo.
- Controle a sus familiares, amigos y vecinos vulnerables.
- Asegúrese de que las mascotas y los animales al aire libre tengan acceso a sombra y agua fresca.
También se recuerda a los residentes que nunca deben dejar a niños ni mascotas en un vehículo cerrado, ya que la temperatura en el interior puede alcanzar niveles peligrosos en cuestión de minutos.
Si no tiene aire acondicionado en casa, puede acudir a un centro de refrigeración designado .
