Sheriff Robert Maciol Issues Heat Wave Safety For Central New York

A heat wave is not something Central New Yorkers are not used to dealing with, so we're offering up some advice issued by Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.

In anticipation of the significant heat wave expected to arrive on Saturday and lasting through Monday, Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol is offering some tips and information to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Temperatures, with the predicted heat indexes, will be over 95 degrees Fahrenheit with some areas exceeding 100 degrees -105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Children, adults, or animals should never be left inside a vehicle during the warm weather. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when temperatures outside range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly, within minutes, climb to between 130 degrees to 172 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to do during extreme heat periods:

• Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle.
• Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid high-energy activities.
• Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.
• Keep your home cool by doing the following:
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use attic fans to clear the hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

Know the signs of heat-related illness and the ways to respond to it:

HEAT CRAMPS:

• Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.
• If you or someone in your company is experiencing heat cramps, then go to a cooler location, remove excess clothing, take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar, and most importantly - get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

HEAT EXHAUSTION:

• Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, or fainting
• If you or someone in your company is experiencing heat exhaustion, go to an air-conditioned place and lie down, loosen or remove clothing, take a cool bath, take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar, and get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

HEAT STROKE:

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; or unconsciousness
• If you or someone in your company is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.