Oswego County Offers Safety Tips for High Heat and Humidity

OSWEGO COUNTY – High heat and humidity are expected to reach the area this Sunday, Aug. 10 through Tuesday, Aug. 12. The Oswego County Health Department and Emergency Management Office (EMO) offer advice for residents to better manage the extreme heat in the forecast.

The National Weather Service forecast for Oswego County indicates heat index values, or “feels like” temperatures, will be in the low to mid-90s Sunday through Tuesday. Overnight lows will be about 70 degrees.

Hot weather and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Those at highest risk of heat-related illness include people aged 65 years and older, children younger than two years of age, and people who are pregnant, have chronic diseases or mental illness.

Signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature; red, hot or dry skin (no sweating); throbbing headache; dizziness, nausea or confusion; or unconsciousness. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting and fainting.

Anyone who experiences serious signs and symptoms of heat-related illness should call ‘911’ or seek medical care immediately.

Follow these tips during high heat conditions to protect yourself from heat stress:

• Hydrate! Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you’re working or exercising outside. Avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks as they can cause stomach cramps.
• Take it easy! Stay indoors, ideally in an air-conditioned place. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Avoid or re-schedule outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, if able. Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid over-exertion, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.
• Take a cool shower or bath to cool down.
• Educate yourself and keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts. Take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperature hits 85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees. Know the warning signs of heat illness and how to stay cool. Act quickly when heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping; rapid pulse; heavy sweating; hot, red skin; dizziness; confusion; nausea and vomiting.
• Remember your pets can be vulnerable to heat too. Make sure they have shade, plenty of water, and never leave them in a parked vehicle, even with a window open.

Those without air conditioning can use Oswego County’s online tool to find places to beat the heat. It offers information on cooling centers, sprinklers, splash pads and public water access. The tool can be found online at this direct link. More information is also available by calling the EMO office at 315-591-9150.

Residents are also reminded to check the forecast before going outside and to subscribe to weather alerts to stay updated on conditions. People can sign up for weather alerts by texting “Oswego” to 333111, registering for NY Alert at www.alert.ny.gov or downloading the FEMA app to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.

More tips about extreme heat are available at www.ready.gov/heat.

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