Keep Your Cool in the Extreme Heat and Humidity

NEW CITY, NY, - When the forecast calls for hot and humid weather, the Rockland County Department of Health urges residents to take the following simple steps to stay cool and prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Use air-conditioning to cool down.  Stay indoors in a place with working air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, spend time in air-conditioned places, such as libraries, movie theaters, malls, or other public buildings, especially during the hottest hours of the day (between 11 am and 4 pm). Cooling centers are places where people may go to cool down during hot weather. With the extreme heat predicted, residents can visit one of the cooling centers throughout the county. Always call before you go to make sure the cooling center is open. New York State’s Essential Plan Cooling Program provides free air conditioners to eligible New Yorkers who are enrolled in the State’s Essential Plan and live with persistent asthma.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. If your doctor generally limits the amount you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• 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 ventilated hat (such as straw or mesh) when outside in the sun and even when it is cloudy.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about any medicine or drugs you take. Certain medications can increase the risk of heat-related illness. These medications affect the body's ability to sweat and stay cool. Do NOT stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
• Never leave children, pets, or those with special needs in a parked car, even briefly. Even with a window cracked open, temperatures in the car can become dangerous within a few minutes. Always check that no one is left inside your vehicle before locking it up.
• Keep your pets safe. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible, and bring lots of water on walks.
• Check in on your family, friends, and neighbors. Heat and humidity can be dangerous for anyone, especially older adults, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart and breathing or lung problems.
• Check the Air Quality Index to find out how clean or polluted your air is, what associated health effects might be a concern for you, and whether you need to limit outdoor activities. Rockland County is considered part of the NYC Metro region. If you would like to get air quality notifications, sign up for Enviroflash.

For more information about keeping cool in the summer heat, visit the New York State Department of Health.   

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