Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday urged New Yorkers to monitor their local forecasts as above-average temperatures in combination with increased humidity will result in hazardous heat conditions in the coming days. “Feels like” temperatures at or above 95 degrees may result in an increased risk of heat illnesses.
The heat is expected to continue into Tuesday. The state is also monitoring the potential for thunderstorms and rainfall associated with Hurricane Beryl beginning Tuesday night and extending into Thursday for much of upstate, according to a news release from Hochul’s office. Isolated instances of flash flooding are possible.
“Heat waves can be dangerous — I encourage New Yorkers to take precautions necessary to stay safe during this extreme heat,” Hochul said. “Keep an eye on your local forecast, stay hydrated and postpone outdoor activity if possible.”
Staying safe during extreme heat
Be aware of air quality.
Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. The Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health issue air quality health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of ozone and fine particulate matter pollution are expected to exceed an air quality index value of 100, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are highest (generally afternoon to early evening), according to the release. When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.
• DEC encourages New Yorkers to check airnow.gov for information on air quality forecasts and conditions. Sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers, visit dec.ny.gov for updated forecasts and information about air quality index levels, and the DOH website for information on health risks and precautions related to air quality.
Prepare in advance
• Sign up for NY alerts that can come to your phone and email and other alerts offered in your local community.
• Create a family emergency plan and include a plan to stay cool.
• Install air conditioners and insulate around them, cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun, and set up fans to increase air flow.
• Attend a free Citizen Preparedness Corps training for residents and get the tools and resources to prepare for emergencies.
Avoid heat stroke and exhaustion
• Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat-related illness and is always an emergency, according to the release. Call 911 immediately if you or your loved one has a body temperature above 105°, a rapid pulse, confusion, rapid or shallow breathing, or loses consciousness. Try to cool the person quickly using a cool bath, fans and air conditioning while you wait for emergency responders.
• Heavy sweating, fainting, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, weakness and cold clammy skin can be indications of heat exhaustion, which can quickly escalate to heat stroke without prompt intervention. Individuals should be moved to a cool place, and cool wet cloths applied to the neck, face and arms.
• Heat cramps in the abdominal area or extremities can be treated by moving to a cool place, gently stretching the cramped muscle and drinking cool water.
• Additional information, including procedures for athletes and coaches, workers and employers and heat and health data can be found on the Department of Health’s Extreme Heat website.
What to do during extreme heat
• Stay inside in the air conditioning if possible.
• If you don’t have access to air conditioning within your home, open windows and shades on the shady side and close them on the sunny side to try to cool it down. It may also be cooler outside in the shade.
• Identify free locations areas in your neighborhood where you can go to stay cool such as a public library, pool, or mall.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• When working in the heat, drink eight ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes even if you do not feel thirsty. Drinking water at shorter intervals is more effective than drinking large amounts infrequently. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Take cool showers and baths.
• Take regular breaks from physical activity.
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.
• Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
• Wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat (e.g., straw or mesh) when in the sun, even if it is cloudy.
Vehicle safety
Never leave children and pets unsupervised in hot cars. There is a real and severe danger when leaving children or pets unsupervised in a car even when temperatures don’t feel hot, the release stated. At 60 degrees outside, after just one hour a closed car can get as hot as 105 degrees.