County Urges Individuals to Take Precautions During Extreme Heat: Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Stay Informed

MAYVILLE, N.Y. – The Chautauqua County Health Department is urging residents to prepare for dangerously hot weather after the National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Advisory for much of New York State from June 30 through July 3. Heat index values, or "feels like" temperatures, are forecast to exceed 100 degrees across Western New York from Tuesday through Friday, creating an increased risk for heat-related illnesses.

With many residents planning to attend parades, cookouts, sporting events, festivals, and fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday, officials encourage everyone to plan ahead and take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses. Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather-related hazards in the United States, contributing to more than 1,200 deaths each year. Fortunately, heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable.

(Predicted heat risk in Western New York on Thursday, July 2nd. Source: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/)

"We are expecting some of the hottest temperatures of the year over the next several days," said County Executive Paul M. Wendel, Jr. "As families spend time outside this week and while celebrating the Fourth of July, I encourage everyone to take the heat seriously, check on family members and neighbors, and remember that children and pets should never be left in a parked vehicle. Taking a few simple precautions can help everyone enjoy a safe holiday weekend."

• Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings.
• Visit a cooling center, public library, shopping center, or other air-conditioned public space if your home is not air conditioned.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours whenever possible.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade if working outdoors.
• Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in a vehicle.

• Drink water frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and sugary beverages.
• If working or exercising outdoors, increase your fluid intake.
• Make sure pets always have access to fresh water and shade.

• Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Check local weather forecasts and heat advisories.
• Check on neighbors, relatives, and friends who may be more vulnerable during extreme heat.

Some people are at greater risk of heat-related illness, including infants and young children, older adults, outdoor workers, people with chronic medical conditions, and pets.

Infants and young children rely on adults to keep them cool and hydrated. Their bodies do not regulate temperature as efficiently as adults.

• Dress children in lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Encourage frequent water breaks.
• Avoid sugary drinks.
• Never leave a child unattended in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise nearly 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked.

Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, poor circulation, mental health conditions, or those taking certain medications may have more difficulty regulating body temperature.

If you have a chronic medical condition:

• Stay in a cool environment whenever possible.
• Drink plenty of water unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about safely managing your condition during extreme heat.

Older adults are more susceptible to heat-related illness because aging, chronic medical conditions, and certain medications can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature.

"As we experience this period of extreme heat, I encourage everyone to check on elderly family members, friends, and neighbors," said Dana Corwin, Director of the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services. "Extreme temperatures can be especially dangerous for older adults. If you or someone you know qualifies for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), you may also be eligible for assistance with an air conditioner or cooling unit. Even if you do not qualify for HEAP, local assistance may be available. Please contact New York Connects at 1-800-342-9871 to learn more. Stay safe, and let's take care of each other."

Residents should:

• Check on older adults at least twice each day.
• Make sure they have access to air conditioning and plenty of water.
• Seek medical care immediately if symptoms of heat-related illness develop.

People who work outdoors are at increased risk for dehydration and heat-related illness.

• Drink water frequently—don't wait until you're thirsty.
• Wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight clothing.
• Whenever possible, schedule strenuous work during the cooler morning or evening hours.
• Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Watch coworkers for signs of heat-related illness.

Hot weather can also be dangerous for pets.

• Provide plenty of fresh water.
• Ensure pets have access to shade or air conditioning.
• Limit exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Walk dogs on grass whenever possible to protect their paws.
• Never leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms include:

• Heavy sweating
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Cold, pale, clammy skin

Move to a cool location, loosen clothing, apply cool cloths, sip water, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Heat Stroke – Medical Emergency

Call 911 immediately if someone experiences:

• Body temperature of 105°F or higher
• Hot, red skin
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Rapid breathing
• Begin cooling the person immediately while waiting for emergency responders.

Residents needing relief from the heat are encouraged to visit one of Chautauqua County's designated cooling centers. A complete list of locations, addresses, and hours of operation is included below.

For additional information on heat safety, visit:

• National Weather Service HeatRisk Tool https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/ 
• New York State Department of Health Heat Safety
  https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/hot/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extreme Heat Resources 
  https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/about/index.html

The Chautauqua County Health Department encourages everyone to take the necessary precautions to stay safe during this period of extreme heat. By staying cool, staying hydrated, and checking on those most at risk, we can help prevent heat-related illness and save lives.

About Chautauqua County Health Department - The Chautauqua County Health Department is the leading Public Health organization in Chautauqua County dedicated to the support of the community’s health.  The Health Department takes innovative approaches to provide technical assistance to partner organizations, and offers various programs and services in order to help prevent disease, protect the public’s health and promote our community’s overall health and wellness.  For more information visit www.HealthyCHQ.com.