MAYOR GIULIANI CAUTIONS NEW YORKERS ABOUT THE DANGERS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUMMER HEAT
With the National Weather Service predicting that temperatures will hit the 90-degree mark in New York City for the rest of the week, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Jerry Hauer, Director of the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management, today asked New Yorkers to take it easy during the next few days, and heed the following advice on how to "Beat the Heat."
"With the first week of Summer upon us New Yorkers should be aware of the dangers associated with the Summer heat," Mayor Giuliani said. "Often we don't realize how hot it really is. Weather forecasters are predicting that it will be in the 90s this week and with the humidity it'll feel like it's 100 degrees. New Yorkers should try to stay cool this week by following the advice of the Office of Emergency Management":
Avoid direct exposure to the sun, particularly during peak hours between
11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Drink plenty of fluids. Water and diluted juices are your best choices.
Stay away from carbonated drinks, as well as drinks containing caffeine.
Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should consult their
physicians.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can actually harm the body's ability to cool itself.
Salt tablets should be avoided. Salty food intake can be increased if
necessary.
Wear lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing.
Keep rooms well-ventilated with air conditioners and fans. Do not keep
your windows closed. Even if you don't have a fan or air conditioner,
any breeze is a good breeze!
In a heat emergency, one can cool down with repeated cool baths or
showers, even if there is no electrical power.
Participate in activities that will help you beat the heat, such as going to
the movies, the mall, the beach, or a pool.
Personal Health and Safety
In addition to being uncomfortable, a heat wave can cause a wide variety of medical emergencies. According to Dr. Benjamin Mojica, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Health, "Extreme heat and direct exposure to sunlight can be dangerous and in some cases even cause death, and so I urge New Yorkers to follow Mayor Giuliani's recommendations."In order to further safeguard your health, and the health of your loved ones and neighbors, the Department of Health offers the following tips:
HEAT STROKE
This is the most serious heat-related condition, and it requires a doctor's immediate attention and treatment. Symptoms of heat stroke can vary, but a person suffering from heat stroke experiences a rise in body temperature to 103 degrees or greater (though the person may feel chilled), a rapid heart beat and pulse, but little to no sweating. Other symptoms include red, hot and dry skin, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
This occurs before heat stroke and is characterized by sudden weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, profuse sweating, and a feeling of faintness.If any of these symptoms occur, the individual should relocate to a cool, preferably air conditioned environment and relax. Cool soaks should be applied to the neck, face and arms, and the individual should be encouraged to drink plenty of water or a beverage that contains electrolytes (such as a sports drink).
Under no circumstances should an unconscious person be given anything to drink by mouth.
PROTECTION FOR CITIZENS WHO ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT
A small but crucial gesture can help ensure that we all have a safe and healthy summer: Get to know your neighbors, and contact neighbors and relatives -- in person or by phone -- at least twice a day.Pay special attention to the elderly, the very young, and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition. The Department For the Aging is asking New Yorkers to check up on older neighbors who may be isolated from friends and families. "Many older New Yorkers live alone and could suffer unnecessarily in the heat because they're isolated from friends and family," said Department for the Aging Commissioner Herbert W. Stupp. "Checking up on the well-being of your elderly neighbors can help to make their summer season a safe and healthy one." Seniors should keep their homes well ventilated, and seek immediate help if they feel signals of heat stress.
IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE
While it may be tempting for people to cool off by opening a fire hydrant, the Fire Department warns all New Yorkers about the dangers of improperly used fire hydrants, and urges the use of "spray caps."According to Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, "Improper use of fire hydrants is dangerous to both citizens and firefighters. An open hydrant wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, overtaxes the sewer system, and causes flooding of City streets. It also places the lives of citizens and firefighters in jeopardy by lowering water pressure to dangerous levels, hampering the ability to get water on a fire quickly and safely."
Properly used "spray caps" reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. Spray caps and hydrant wrenches are available at any New York City Firehouse.
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