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Westchester Health Department Issues Heat Advisory

With hot and humid weather forecast and temperatures expected to reach or exceed 90 degrees in parts of the county for the next three days, the Westchester County Health Department has issued a heat advisory.

Stay cool in the heat as a heat advisory takes hold in Westchester County.

Stay cool in the heat as a heat advisory takes hold in Westchester County.

Photo Credit: File Photo

The National Weather Service has also issued an Air Quality Alert as the real-feel index is expected to soar to around 100 degrees Wednesday. For more on that, click here.

As temperatures rise, residents are advised to avoid strenuous activity, drink plenty of non-alcoholic, uncaffeinated beverages and take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. 

“Be smart and don’t overdo it in the heat,” said County Executive Rob Astorino. “Just as you check on elderly neighbors in the winter, look in on seniors during a summer heat wave and follow the Health Department’s advice to stay cool and stay hydrated.”

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.

Heat exhaustion also poses concerns. Seniors, children up to age 4, 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. 

The Health Department makes these recommendations to prevent heat-related illnesses:

  • Drink two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you aren’t thirsty
  • Limit any strenuous activity, especially during the sun's peak hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Take frequent breaks and drink lots of water if working outside
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks. These cause you to lose more body fluid.
  • Stay indoors, ideally in an air-conditioned place. If your house or apartment isn't air-conditioned, try spending a few hours at a shopping mall, public library, movie theater or supermarket
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to reflect heat and sunlight
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle

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