Heat, Air Quality Warning for Ossining/Croton

With temperatures reaching the 90s in Ossining and Croton-on-Hudson, topped with heavy humidity—government officials have issued a heat advisory and air quality warning.

“Heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise,” said Dr. Sherlita Amler, the Westchester County Commissioner of Health, in a press release. 

“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.” 

Tuesday’s local forecast shows high of 90 degrees, with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service which has issued a hazardous weather advisory. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an ozone warning and said the air quality could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, like children, the elderly and those with respiratory issues. 

Click here for the current air quality index.

The Westchester County Department of health is warning residents to avoid taxing physical activity and avoid caffeine and alcohol, while staying hydrated. Symptoms for heat stroke, which claims lived throughout the country each year, includes: hot, dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid, weak pulse; and confusion. Call 911 if you suffer from these symptoms. 

Heat stroke can be confused with heat exhaustion, which can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, but body temperature remains normal. Those suffering from heat exhaustion should drink non-caffeinated beverage, eget out of the heat and cool themselves off. 

The Westchester County Department of Health offers the following tips to prevent heat-related illness:

• Never leave children, pets or those who need special care in a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a closed car can reach more than 140 degrees inside and be life threatening.

• Check on your neighbors, 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.  Also, avoid very cold drinks which 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.

• Some municipalities open or extend hours at some public buildings to create cooling centers. Check with your local city, town or village for the latest updates.

•  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.

For more information and hot weather safety tips visit www.westchestergov.com/health.