New Yorkers Urged To Prepare For Dangerous Heat Conditions

Because of the potentially dangerous heat conditions expected to begin Friday and last through Monday, the state is urging New Yorkers to prepare for the extreme temperatures.

"State parks with swimming facilities will be open later, and if air conditioning is not available to you, there are public cooling stations all throughout the state," Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.

"Be sure and check on neighbors and limit outdoor activity to ensure that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy through the extreme temperatures," he said.

Heat index values ranging from the mid-90s to more than 100 degrees are possible throughout the entire timeframe.

The National Weather Service has already issued advisories for the entire Hudson Valley.

For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties, there is an excessive heat warning in effect from noon Friday to 8 pm. Sunday.

A heat advisory is in effect from noon Friday to noon Saturday for Dutchess, western Columbia, and eastern Ulster counties. An excessive heat warning is in effect for the same locations from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Cuomo directed the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to offer extended hours at state swimming facilities during the heat wave to help New Yorkers beat the heat.

The extended hours will begin Friday and continue through Sunday at the following Hudson Valley parks:

• Franklin D. Roosevelt pool
• Rockland Lake pool
• Bear Mountain pool
• High Tor pool
• Lake Welch
• Lake Tiorati
• Lake Taghkanic
• Minnewaska

For details and a complete list of all available swim locations and places to cool off, visit www.parks.ny.gov and select a state park near you. Call ahead because adverse weather conditions may affect pool and beach hours.

Heat Tips

Excessive heat is the leading cause of preventable, weather-related deaths each year, particularly among the elderly. To help New Yorkers stay safe during the excessive heat the state offered the following tips:

People who should be aware:

• Elderly persons and small children are mostly affected
• Persons with weight or alcohol problems
• 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 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
• Vomiting

New Yorkers Urged To Conserve Electricity

Taking smart steps to reduce energy use, particularly during periods of peak demand, not only helps to lower the state's peak load, it will save consumers money when electricity is the most expensive. To reduce energy use, particularly during peak periods, the public is encouraged to take some of the following low- or no-cost energy saving measures:

• Close drapes, windows and doors on your home's sunny side to reduce solar heat buildup.
• Turn off air conditioners, lights and other appliances when not at home and use a timer to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Use advanced power strips to centrally "turn off" all appliances and save energy.
• If purchasing an air conditioner, look for an ENERGY STAR qualified model. ENERGY STAR air conditioners use up to 25 percent less energy than a standard model.
• Fans can make rooms feel five to 10 degrees cooler and use 80 percent less energy than air conditioners.
• Set your air conditioner at 78 degrees or higher to save on your cooling costs.
• Place your air conditioner in a central window, rather than a corner window, to allow for better air movement.
• Consider placing the unit on the north, east or the best-shaded side of your home. Your air conditioner will have to work harder and use more energy if it is exposed to direct sunlight.
• Seal spaces around the air conditioner with caulking to prevent cool air from escaping.
• Clean the cooling and condenser fans plus the coils to keep your air conditioner operating efficiently and check the filter every month and replace as needed.
• Use appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and ovens early in the morning or late at night. This will also help reduce humidity and heat in the home.
• Use energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs instead of standard incandescent light bulbs, and you can use 75 percent less energy.
• Microwave food when possible. Microwaves use approximately 50 percent less energy than conventional ovens.
• Dry clothes on a clothes line. If using a clothes dryer, remember to clean the dryer's lint trap before every load.
• Be mindful of the different ways you're consuming water throughout your home. Instead of using 30 to 40 gallons of water to take a bath, install a low-flow showerhead, which uses less than 3 gallons a minute.
• Lowering the temperature setting on your wash machine and rinsing in cold water will reduce energy use.

Additional tips on how to conserve energy is available on NYSERDA's website.

Water Safety

Boaters should make sure to take proper safety precautions when enjoying the many boating opportunities New York State has to offer. The State Parks Marine Services Bureau offers the following safety tips.

Boaters are reminded to practice safe and responsible boating, including:

• Wear a personal floatation device whenever they are on the water. State law requires that children under age 12 wear a personal flotation device while on a watercraft;
• Complete a safe boating course;
• Properly equip and inspect their vessel;
• Maintain a prudent speed;
• Refrain from mixing alcohol with boating; and
• Check the weather forecast before heading out on the water to learn about potential storms and seek immediate shelter on shore if thunder is audible.

People paddling canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards should know their abilities and take precautions when there are high or steady winds creating large waves, or when they are in strong currents. Paddlers in waters where there are motorboats should keep close to shorelines and out of main channels.

For more information about boating safety, including listings of boating safety courses, and marine recreation in New York State, click here.

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