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The county's health department is warning residents to avoid strenuous activity, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine and seek air-conditioned spaces to avoid heat-related illness. Temperatures are expected to stay in the 90s through Wednesday.
In addition, the county is warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, which include hot, dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid, weak pulse; and confusion. Anyone suffering from heat stroke should receive emergency medical treatment immediately.
“Heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise,” said Sherlita Amler, MD, Westchester County commissioner of health. “The elderly, young children and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or lung conditions need to be especially careful to avoid heat-related illnesses. High humidity and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are often confused. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, but body temperature remains normal. To assist someone with heat exhaustion, provide cool non-caffeinated beverages and encourage them to cool off.
The Health Department recommends never leaving children, pets or those who need special care in a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a closed car can quickly soar to more than 140 degrees inside and this can be life-threatening. Other recommendations include:
- Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, the very young and those with special needs.
- Drink at least two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you aren’t thirsty.
- Avoid beverages that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar - these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
- Stay indoors, ideally, in an air-conditioned place. If your house or apartment isn't air-conditioned, try spending time at a shopping mall, public library or even the grocery store. A few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back to a warmer place.
- If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor of at least 15 and a hat to protect your face and head. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. Try to avoid the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when it is strongest.
- Assure pets have enough water and food and limit their exercise during high temperature times.
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