County Officials Urge Caution During Extreme Heat This Week

OSWEGO COUNTY – The National Weather Service-Buffalo Forecast Office issued a heat advisory until 8 p.m. today, June 30, for all counties in western and northern Central New York. An extreme heat watch will also be in effect Wednesday through Friday and Oswego County officials are urging people to take it easy this week.

“Heat is expected to start building across the region on Tuesday before reaching its peak mid- to late-week,” Oswego County Emergency Management Director Cathleen Palmitesso said. “The extreme heat and humidity could cause the heat index to rise to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. These factors significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, especially among our most vulnerable populations.”

Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor agreed, advising people to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, limit alcohol and caffeine consumption and spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces during extremely hot weather.

“A heat wave, like the one forecast this week, typically compounds or builds on itself with each successive day,” said Palmitesso. “Overnight temperatures won’t dip enough to give people any relief and allow their body to recover from the heat. This is why they may feel okay on the first day, but by the end of the week they’re in trouble, even with little to no exertion.”

Dunsmoor added, “This is why it’s so important to take precautions now and continue them in the coming days. Also check on family, neighbors and anyone who might be vulnerable to the heat, including children and older adults.

“Even your pets are susceptible to the heat,” she added. “Make sure they have plenty of shade and water. Most importantly, never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes, even with a window open.”

Oswego County offers an online map to help people find places to cool off. It includes cooling centers along with sprinklers, splash pads and public water access. Click on “Beat the Heat” to go directly to the map or “Cooling Centers” on the Oswego County Health Department’s website for details. Call the Oswego County Emergency Management Office at 315-591-9150 or the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3545 for more information.

In addition to staying hydrated and cool, people are advised to follow these precautions:

• Apply sunscreen regularly.
• Dress in lightweight and light-colored clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed sunhat to shield your face and neck from the sun and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Take a cool shower or bath to cool down.
• Stay indoors. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Eat light. Choose easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
• Avoid over-exertion when working or exercising outdoors. If possible, re-schedule activities around the hottest part of the day between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Take hourly water breaks in the shade or air conditioning. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, stop all activity. Get in the shade or a cool area and rest; especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint.
• Act quickly if heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention for any of these warning signs: cramping; rapid pulse; heavy sweating; hot, red skin; dizziness; confusion; nausea or vomiting.
• Stay informed about weather conditions, including current temperature and heat index readings. Take actions to stay cool when the temperature hits 85 degrees or the heat index (“feels like” temperature) hits 90 degrees.

“People should be aware of the warning signs of heat-related illness, which happens when the body can no longer cool itself effectively,” Dunsmoor noted. “Normally, the body cools itself by sweating; but when humidity levels are high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat in a timely way.”

Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature. It can cause death or permanent disability if not treated right away. Warning signs include extremely high body temperature; red, hot or dry skin (no sweating); throbbing headache; dizziness, nausea or confusion; or unconsciousness.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness. It can develop after multiple days of exposure to high temperatures without proper hydration. Symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting and fainting. If left untreated, it can progress to a more serious heat stroke.

Those who experience, or are with someone who experiences, serious signs and symptoms of heat-related illness should call ‘9-1-1’ or seek medical care immediately.

People at highest risk of heat-related illness include children younger than two years of age and people who are pregnant, have chronic diseases or mental illness.

Seniors aged 65 years and older are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They are more likely to have chronic health issues and may take medication that prevents their bodies from regulating their temperatures. They may also have other risk factors, such as living alone or not having air conditioning in their home.

“To avoid heat stress, it’s vital that seniors take precautions,” said Oswego County Office for the Aging Director Sara Sunday. “They should follow their doctor’s guidance, hydrate properly and stay indoors, ideally with air conditioning.

“This might be a good time to stop by our new office space for a tour,” she added. “We are not considered a ‘cooling center,’ but we do have some space available for visitors to check out the computer lab or enjoy a puzzle or card game while they get out of the heat. Our office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, tomorrow and Thursday (June 30, July 1 and 2).”

Palmitesso reminds residents that the best time to prepare for an extreme heat event is before it happens.

“The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest checking your household fans, air conditioners and other cooling equipment each spring to make sure they are in good working order,” she said. “They also recommend making other improvements around your home, such as planting trees in strategic locations and updating your roof and driveway with ‘cool materials’ to deflect sunlight and absorb less heat.”

People can sign up for real-time weather alerts from the National Weather Service by downloading the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. They can also go to www.alert.ny.gov to sign up for NY Alerts or text “Oswego” to ‘3-3-3-1-1-1’ for updates. Get more tips about managing extreme heat at www.ready.gov/heat.