Residents urged to prepare for dangerous heat this weekend

Photos by Tom Rivers: It was foggy this morning on Main Street in Albion.

Staff Reports Posted 28 June 2018 at 11:36 am

New Yorkers are urged to take precautions with an extended period of dangerous heat and humidity this weekend and through Monday.

To avoid heat-related illnesses, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is encouraging individuals to limit strenuous outdoor physical activity during this time period, especially for people who are more susceptible, including young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work, and those who have respiratory diseases such as asthma. At-risk populations should take necessary steps to stay cool as temperatures rise.

The forecast for Orleans County shows high temperatures of 87 on Friday, 91 on Saturday, 94 on Sunday and 87 on Monday.

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 600 preventable deaths in the United States yearly.

To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat the Governor offered the following tips:

People Who Should Be Aware:

• Elderly persons and small children are mostly affected

• Persons with weight or alcohol problems are very susceptible to heat reactions

• Persons on certain medications or drugs

Be Prepared:

• Slow down on strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun’s peak hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Exercise should be done in the early morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

• Eat less protein and more fruits and vegetables. Protein produces and increases metabolic heat, which causes water loss. Eat small meals, but eat more often. Do not eat salty foods

• Drink at least two to four 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 stay in air conditioning. The sun heats the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a public building with air conditioning

• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating (at least SPF 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

• Do not leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or vehicle 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 if they are elderly, have young children or have special needs

• Make sure there is enough food and water for pets

Know the Signs of Heat Related Illness:

Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. Call 911 if you or someone you know shows signs or symptoms of heat illness, including: headache, light headedness, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Mike Clemons of the Albion Department of Public Works waters flowers on Main Street this morning. The DPW does the watering on weekday mornings and volunteers handle the job on weekends.

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