Delaware County will experience excessive and unusual heat over the next week. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in conjunction with the National Weather Service (NWS) has developed an interactive tool to monitor heat risk using a scale of 0-4 with a score of 4 indicating extreme heat. Over the next week we will experience several days of heat indexes ranging from 2 (moderate) to 4 (extreme), with the hottest days predicted Wednesday June 19 through Friday June 21.
This heat wave has the potential to cause heat related illness or even death if people do not take proper precautions. The Center for Disease Control recommends the following safety tips to avoid health related impacts associated with excessive heat:
• Wear sunscreen. Take precautions to prevent sunburn, which can make you dehydrated and affects your ability to cool down. This includes staying in shaded areas, wear a hat to shade your face and limit the amount of time you spend in direct sun.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks that may further dehydrate you. If you are sweating a lot combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace salt and minerals your body needs.
• Limit time outside. If you are feeling the effects of heat exhaustion, immediately find an air-conditioned or cooled location to rest and recover. If you are working outside take a break every hour either in the shade or if possible, in an air-conditioned space and consume at least eight ounces of water every hour.
• Check the car. Never leave children or animals in a car for any period. When it is 90 degrees outside it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of the car to reach 109 degrees and in 30 minutes the temperature in the car will exceed 120 degrees.
• Monitor high-risk loved ones, neighbors and friends, especially if they are not in an air-conditioned space. Vulnerable populations that may experience heat related illnesses should be checked on to be sure they are okay. If any signs of illness are present please call 911 for assistance immediately or take the person to the emergency room for proper medical care.
• Watch for signs of illness. Heat related illness can become life threatening if not taken care of. If you are experiencing general weakness, dehydration, excessive sweating, headache, muscle cramps or spasms, dizziness, mental confusion, fatigue, erratic behavior, nausea and/or vomiting, fast heart rate, fast or weakened pulse, or fainting take a break from the heat, drink fluids and seek help. Some health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure, can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
Delaware County has several public libraries that serve as cooling centers and can be visited to find relief from the heat while you read a great book. In observance of Juneteenth some libraries will be closed Wednesday, June 19, so call ahead to make sure they are open. You can also visit some local parks or swimming pools, which may provide some relief.
Andes Public Library, 242 Main Street, Andes, 845-676-3333; Mon: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tues: 1 – 6 p.m.; Wed: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thurs: 4 – 7 p.m.; Fri: 1 — 5 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.
Bovina Public Library, 33 Maple Ave, Bovina Center, 607-832-4884 Tues: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wed: 1 - 7 p.m.; Thurs: 1 - 5 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cannon Free Library, 40 Elm Street, Delhi, 607-746-2662 Tues: 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wed: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thurs: 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Fri: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Fairview Public Library, 43 Walnut Street, Margaretville, 845-586-3791 Tues: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Wed: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Thurs, Fri: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Roxbury Library, 53742 NY-30, Roxbury, 607-326-7901 Mon, Wed, Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sidney Memorial Public Library, 8 River Street, Sidney, 607-563-1200 Tue-Thurs: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Fri: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun: 1 – 4 p.m.
Stamford Library, 117 Main Street, Stamford, 607-652-5001 Mon: 12 - 6 p.m.; Tues and Thurs: 12 - 6 p.m.; Wed: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Fri: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
William B. Ogden Library, 42 Gardiner Place, Walton, 607-865-5929 Tues: 9 a.m. - 5; Wed: 1 - 8 p.m.; Thurs: 1 - 8 p.m.; Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Take care to watch yourself and your neighbors over the next few days. Delaware County Emergency Services will continue monitoring the conditions with help from the NWS and NY Department of Homeland Security.
