An Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for the Metropolitan area, including Rockland County. Air Quality Health Advisories are issued by the State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation when levels of outdoor pollution are expected to exceed national air quality standards and be unhealthy for sensitive groups. The county is also warning people to be careful as temperatures are expected to rise this weekend, and Stony Point supervisor Jim Monaghan says the Roh building is open during normal business hours as a cooling center…
Rockland’s health department says you should limit outdoor activities during peak ozone hours. Outdoor activities should be scheduled for the morning hours when ozone levels are generally lower. Also, never leave children, pets or people with special needs in a parked car, even briefly. Temperatures in the car can become dangerous within a few minutes. For more tips on keeping cool, and a list of other cooling centers in the county, click here.
Use air-conditioning to cool down. If you do not have air conditioning, spend time in air-conditioned places such as libraries, movies, malls, or other public buildings during the hottest hours of the day. Cooling centers are places where people may go to cool down during hot weather. Visit https://on.ny.gov/2sMjixU for a list of cooling centers near you or call your town or village. Before going to a cooling center, it’s important to call ahead to make sure it’s open, as some cooling centers are only open during regular business hours or officially declared heat emergencies and extreme heat events.
Drink plenty of fluids – don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink more fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Make sure children and older adults are drinking water and ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids in easy reach.
Beat the heat with cool showers and baths.
Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Avoid activities that involve a lot of energy or effort during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and take many breaks from physical activity.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.
Wear sunscreen and a lightweight hat (straw or mesh is best) when outdoors, even if it is cloudy.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications can increase the risk of sun or heat-related illness. Be aware that some medicines can cause skin to burn more easily or affect the body’s ability to sweat and stay cool. Talk to your doctor about possible heat or sun-related side effects of your medication and do NOT stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
Check on your neighbors, such as older adults or those in poor health, to see if they need assistance.
Pets can suffer from heat-related illness too. Never leave your pet in a parked car. Cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures quickly, even with a window cracked open. Roads, sidewalks and gravel can get very hot and burn your pet’s paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible, and bring lots of water on walks.
For more information about keeping cool in the summer heat, visit the New York State Department of Health website at www.nyhealth.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/hot/