Photo by Tom Rivers – The giant inflatable doughboy is pictured on Monday evening as the sun sets at the Orleans County 4-H Fair in Knowlesville.

It’s going to be another hot day today, and the Weather Channel has issued an extreme heat alert for the area with temperatures forecast to reach 92 degrees with 0 chance of precipitation.

Wednesday is also forecast for a high of 92 degrees. The Weather Channel urges people to stay hydrated and to protect themselves from the blistering sun.

Photo by Tom Rivers  – The sun sets on Saturday night in this photo taken from the vineyard at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Route 104 in Medina.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today urged New Yorkers to take precautions as high temperatures and humidity are being predicted throughout New York State this week. Temperatures are expected to top 90 degrees over the next few days in communities across the state.

“Temperatures are expected to climb significantly across the state this week, and it’s important for New Yorkers to take appropriate precautions,” Cuomo said. “I encourage everyone to remain indoors when possible, stay hydrated, and check on any neighbors who may need assistance. Together, we can make sure that everyone stays safe during the period of extreme heat.”

Excessive heat is the leading cause of preventable, weather-related deaths each year, particularly among the elderly. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat causes more than 650 preventable deaths in the United States each year.

In most years, excessive heat causes more deaths than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service statistics, there have been more than 80 deaths directly attributable to heat in New York State since 2006.

The expected high temperatures are prompting the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to offer New Yorkers tips to help them stay safe.

“Although excessive heat and humidity may seem like a normal part of summer, it needs to be taken very seriously, particularly for older individuals, infants and young children, and those participating in outdoor activities,” said DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses so you know what to do if you or someone you know experiences heat-related health issues.”

To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat, DOH and DHSES offer this advice:

Minimize, if possible, strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun’s peak hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Exercise during early morning hours or in the evening, when the temperatures tend to be lower.

Drink at least 2-4 glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.

If possible, stay out of the sun and seek air-conditioned settings. The sun heats the inner core of your body, which may result in dehydration. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a building with air conditioning (such as libraries, malls, supermarkets, or friends’homes).

If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating of at least 15 and a hat to protect your face and head. When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body.

Never leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or other vehicles during periods of intense summer heat. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill within a matter of minutes.

Make an effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially the elderly, infants and young children, or others with special needs.

Make sure there is enough water and food for pets and limit their exercise during periods of extreme temperatures.

Individuals who are often at greatest risk during periods of excessive heat include elderly persons, infants and small children; persons with weight or alcohol problems; and persons on certain medications or drugs.

Heat Health Hazards

Heat Stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke can be life threatening. Body temperature can rise and cause brain damage; death may result if the individual is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red, and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse, and shallow breathing. A cold bath or sponge can provide relief and lower body temperature.

Heat Exhaustion: While less dangerous than heat stroke, heat exhaustion poses health concerns and it most often occurs when people exercise too heavily or work in warm, humid places where body fluids are lost. Signals include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness and exhaustion. If symptoms occur, move the victim out of sun, and apply cool, wet cloths.

Sunburn: Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Signals include redness and pain; in severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever, and headaches can occur. Ointments can be a relief for pain in mild cases. A physician should see serious cases. To protect yourself, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating of at least 15. Always re-apply sunscreen after periods of heavy sweating or swimming.

Heat Cramps: Muscular pains and spasms are often caused by heavy exertion. Loss of water and salt from sweating causes cramping. Signals are abdominal and leg muscle pain. Relief can be firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massages to relieve cramping. Remember to hydrate often while exercising or working outdoors.

Heat Rash: Skin irritation that looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Try to move the person to a cool place, keep the affected area dry, and have the person use talcum powder to increase comfort.

Be Energy Smart

Power outages are more likely to occur during warm weather, when utility usage is at its peak. To avoid putting a strain on the power grid, conserve energy to help prevent power disruptions.

Set your air conditioner thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.

Only use the air conditioner when you are home.

Turn non-essential appliances off. Only use appliances that have heavy electrical loads early in the morning or very late at night.

NY also commits $250M to initiative expected to have ripple effect in Upstate economy

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Gov. Andrew Cuomo was joined today by Vice President Joe Biden to announce that New York has been selected by the Department of Defense to lead a prestigious, multi-state Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation.

The selection is part of a White House initiative to secure the United States’ global leadership in emerging technology research, development, and manufacturing.

Photonics harnesses the power of light to move data at great speeds, and the research done at the new Institute will integrate photonics components to revolutionize computer chips, making them faster, smaller, and more reliable with a wide range of applications, including medical technology, defense, telecommunications, the Internet, and information technology.

A $110 million federal grant awarded to the SUNY Polytechnic-led “American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics” will support a high-tech consortium with business operations, a company incubator and accelerator, workforce training, and board of directors headquartered in Rochester.

Total public and private investment in the Photonic Institute will exceed $600 million, including more than $250 million by New York State to equip, install, and make operational a state-of-the-art photonics prototyping operation. The institute’s work will create and support thousands of advanced research and manufacturing jobs across Upstate and the United States and lead to major advances within a wide range of practical applications.

“New York has always been a leader when it comes to thinking big about what tomorrow holds – and today in Rochester, we’re seeing an even brighter vision for what the future will be,” Cuomo said. “This announcement is proof that the best is yet to come for New York’s high-tech industries. We’ve turned our economy around, we’re making the investments to keep it going, and this new Institute is another example of how Rochester is the vision for the economy of the future. I thank President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Ash Carter for recognizing New York’s potential and joining us to make this announcement possible.”

Establishing this first-ever photonics consortium will create a New York-led national infrastructure that is widely accessible and financially self-sustaining. It is designed to scale into the future; ensuring innovation is based on new technology developed in the United States.

Additional operations will be headquartered at the SUNY Polytechnic Albany NanoTech Campus in addition to the business headquarters in Rochester, leading to the attraction of thousands of high tech jobs to the Rochester area and across Upstate.

“A new tech era officially begins in Rochester today. By combining the academic and research resources of the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute, with the hundreds of New York photonics companies; Rochester is now well-positioned to lead the way in this cutting-edge industry,” said U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer.

The Photonics Institute consists of more than 50 companies, 20 universities, 33 community colleges, and 16 non-profit organizations across 20 states including California and Massachusetts.

Advanced photonics research will be centered at the SUNY Poly nanotechnology megaplex in Albany, SUNY Poly’s Canal Ponds and Smart Technology and Commercialization facilities in Rochester and Canandaigua, the University of Rochester, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. In addition to the Department of Defense, the Institute will work closely with government partners, including the Departments of Energy and Commerce, NASA, and the National Science Foundation.

In order to maximize job creation and economic growth there was a strong focus on recruiting small and medium sized businesses, as well as start-ups. Resources will also be used for workforce training initiatives with the consortium’s community college partners and other programs including K-12 to help meet the growing demand in photonics and STEM-enabled careers.

“Headquartering a multi-state photonics center in the city of Rochester is a once-in-a-generation win for New York State and a testament to SUNY’s capacity to advance cutting-edge technologies and foster innovation,” said State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “We look forward to partnering with our colleagues in higher education, government, and the private sector on this initiative, which will ensure that our students and faculty remain at the forefront of innovation in New York and across the country.”