Insider News Center: From Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES HEAT AND COLD WATER ADVISORY IN ADVANCE OF WEEKEND FORECAST.

 

Date: May 20, 2022

                                                                                                            

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                                                                                                 

                                                                            

WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES

HEAT AND COLD WATER ADVISORY.

 

Advises Residents to Take Care and Avoid Heat Exhaustion and Hypothermia in light of Weekend Forecast.

 

(White Plains, NY) – With temperatures expected to exceed 90 degrees this weekend, but water temperatures still in the 50s, the Westchester County Health Department is cautioning residents about both heat-related illness for vulnerable populations, and cold water safety and the risk of hypothermia.

 

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Ocean temperatures remain cold, so when a person is fully submerged, hypothermia can happen in as little as 10 minutes, greatly increasing the risk of drowning. It’s also important to take care in the heat. Drink lots of water and seek the shade or air-conditioned places.”

 

Amler said people who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from the heat include the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions.

 

“Heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise,” Amler said. “High humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”

 

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.

 

Amler reminded residents never to leave children, pets or people in a car. Temperatures can quickly rise to unsafe levels, so motorists should always look before they lock their vehicles.

 

“To avoid tragedy, it’s also vital to never leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time,” Amler said. “Closed vehicles can quickly heat up to a life-threatening 140º F or more.”

 

For tips to prevent heat-related illness and places to stay cool, residents can visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health. 

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