Heat Watch Issued for Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. -- It’s hot and humid in the Tarrytowns today, with the National Weather Service advising dangerous heat conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning and watch for the area today. Heat warnings are issued when “when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater,” the National Weather Service noted. An excessive heat watch is issued when situations arise when heat-related illnesses are possible.

The National Weather Service recommends taking extra precautions if people work or spend time outside, advising those with strenuous outside activities to reschedule them for early morning or evening. The NWS also advises people to wear light, loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water.

Several areas in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow provide air-conditioning to those in need. Sleepy Hollow has designated the James Galgano Senior Center as a cooling center for Thursday and Friday. Warner Library is also available to those who need a place to cool off. The library is open until 9 p.m. on Thursday and 5 p.m. on Friday.

Susan Croll, the spokesperson for the Tarrytown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, offered some tips for staying cool in the summer heat. Up front, she stressed that “if you feel ill, call 911.”

“People shouldn’t hesitate,” she said, because they can quickly succumb to heat exhaustion.

Residents should stay hydrated, drinking lots of cooling liquids. Croll said they should also stay out of direct sunlight, wearing a hat when outdoors.

To cool off quickly, Croll said residents can buy cold packs and put them under their armpits.

Croll recommended staying inside where there is air conditioning if you are sensitive to the heat, especially during peak hours. If you don’t have air conditioning, there are several public places that you can go, such as a senior center or the public library.

“Areas with air conditioning are readily available,” she said.

People also should not leave pets or children in a parked car, Croll warned.

“It can get real hot real fast,” she said.

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