With a heat wave on the way, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy is advising everyone to stay in cool conditions as much as possible, remain hydrated, and keep an eye on elderly friends and neighbors.

“As extreme heat settles over the Capital Region, I urge everyone to take the proper precautions, including drinking plenty of water. This kind of weather can be dangerous, especially for seniors, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. Let’s remain vigilant and take care of one another the way our community always does,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

After several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate hydration, heat exhaustion may develop. The elderly and those with high blood pressure are the most vulnerable. Heavy perspiration, paleness, cramping in the muscles, fatigue, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fainting are some of the symptoms. Skin could be damp and cold. Pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke.

Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and occurs when the body can’t control its temperature and could be deadly. Symptoms include an extremely high body temperature (above 103'F), red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating), rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.

Guidance from the New York State Department of Health:

• Be aware of the signs of heat illness and immediately get themselves or any person demonstrating these symptoms to a cool place, have them remove extra clothes, and drink lots of water. If they don’t improve, call 911 or get them to the emergency room right away.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise during the hottest part of the day. Instead, try to do it in the morning and evening hours when it's cooler. Take breaks in shady spots often to give your body a chance to rest.
• Drink more liquids, even if you're not doing much. Don't wait until you're thirsty. Aim for about 16 to 32 ounces per hour. Don't drink drinks with alcohol or lots of sugar. They make you lose more fluids from your body.
• Infants less than 6 months of age should not be given water. On hot days, they can be breastfed more often, or given additional breast milk or formula in a bottle.
• Stay out of the sun and seek air- conditioned settings. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor of your home, keep the window shades or blinds closed to block the sun, or go to a public space with air conditioning (such as libraries, malls, supermarkets, friends’ homes, or one of the County’s cooling centers).
• Take a cool shower or bath using tepid water. Sudden temperature changes may make you feel dizzy or sick.
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor (SPF) rating of at least 15 and a hat to protect your face and head. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid direct sun on your body.
• Don't ever leave kids or pets in cars by themselves. Even if you crack a window, in 10 minutes the inside of the car can get 20 degrees hotter.

The National Weather Service has a Heat Risk Tool that updates hourly to show the current heat risks. The link is https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/

For a list of the County cooling centers, go to: www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/health/cooling-stations