SAFETY AND COOLING TIPS

With high heat and humidity returning this week, Con Edison has stated it will have extra crews and support personnel available 24/7 to respond to any service problems that may arise. 

Con Edison urges customers to report power interruptions or service problems, as well as view service restoration information, online at www.conEd.com. Customers can also call 1-800-75-CONED.

If you experience a power outage:

Turn off all light switches and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored. Leave at least one light switch in the on position to alert you when power has been restored;

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Each time the door is opened, heat enters and speeds the thawing process;

Have a battery-powered radio and a supply of extra batteries handy. Have flashlights available for every member of your household;

Listen to your battery-operated radio on for updates on our restoration progress and safety tips;

Fill spare containers with water for cooking and washing;

Use candles and storm lanterns carefully. Keep them out of drafts, away from flammable materials, and out of the reach of children.

 

Here are some steps the company is recommending to stay cool this summer:

Make sure air conditioner filters are clean for peak efficiency;

Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees.  Each degree lower increases cooling costs by 6 percent;

If you have a room air-conditioning unit, close off the rooms not being used; if you have central air, block the vents in un-used or vacant rooms;

Also turn off lights and other appliances, use a timer to turn them on as necessary, and turn your computer off when not at home to conserve;

To reduce heat and moisture, run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it’s generally cooler. Use a microwave to cook, or barbecue outside if possible.

Energy-savings tips are also available on Facebook at Power of Green, on Twitter @ConEdLiz and @ConEdSara and by downloading the company’s Power of Green iPhone app.

 

July 6:  HEAT AND AIR QUALITY ADVISORY ISSUED

Residents urged to take precautions against heat related illnesses

 

With Westchester County and the rest of the region in the grips of an extended heat wave, the Health Department is issuing a heat advisory for the next several days.  Residents are advised to avoid strenuous activity, drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, and take precautions against suffering heat-related illness. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has also issued an ozone advisory for today. Ozone levels are forecast to be in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category in the New York Metropolitan area, which includes Westchester County.  

Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot, dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid, weak pulse; and confusion. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately.

 “Heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise,” said Dr. Cheryl Archbald, Westchester County acting commissioner of health. “The elderly, young children and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or lung conditions need to be especially careful to avoid heat-related illnesses.”

The Health Department recommends the following preventive measures against heat-related illnesses:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level.  Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.  If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.

• Do not drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar - these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.  Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors, ideally, in an air-conditioned place.  If your house or apartment isn't air-conditioned, try spending a few hours at the shopping mall, public library or even the grocery store.  A few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

• Take a cool shower or bath and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities during the hottest time of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
• NEVER leave anyone - a person or animal - in a closed, parked vehicle.  This is life threatening.
• Neighbors should check on elderly residents in their area or apartment complex to make sure they are safe. 
• Bring pets inside and be sure to provide them with plenty of water.

Ozone is a gas produced by the action of sunlight on organic air contaminants from automobile exhausts and other sources.  “Significant exposure to ozone in the air has been linked with adverse health effects,” said Dr. Archbald. “These may include nose and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms, and decreases in lung function.”

People experiencing such symptoms should speak with a health care provider. Those who may be especially sensitive to the effects of ozone exposure include the very young, those who exercise outdoors or are involved in strenuous outdoor work, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma. When ozone levels are elevated, the Westchester County Department of Health recommends limiting strenuous physical activity outdoors to reduce the risk of adverse effects.

            For more information and tips of safety during hot weather, residents should visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health or call the Health Department’s Stay Cool Hotline at (914) 813-5620. Air quality updates are provided daily on the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

 

Ozone Advisory in Effect for All New York Regions -- July 7, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value leading to a greater health concern.

OZONE

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground level ozone a major component of smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary causes of ground level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor.

A fun-filled celebration is in store to celebrate our country’s Independence Day when the Westchester Philharmonic orchestra brings a program of rousing American patriotic music, followed by a spectacular fireworks display, to the annual Kensico Dam Music Fest on Saturday, July 3, at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

Guest conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos will lead the Philharmonic in a program that will include pops and patriotic favorites, including Stars and Stripes Forever and The Star-Spangled Banner.  

Pre-concert entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with the Stages band, performing music from past decades. The Philharmonic takes the stage at 8 p.m.; fireworks will follow the concert at approximately 9:15 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Carpooling is suggested. Concert-goers should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

Constantine Kitsopoulos is renowned as a conductor whose musical experience spans the worlds of opera and symphony. He has conducted in such venues as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York City and London’s Royal Albert Hall, as well as musical theater where he has led orchestras for such Broadway shows as Les Miserables and Dracula. 

Under the direction of famed violinist Itzhak Perlman as artistic director and conductor, the Westchester Philharmonic will begin its 27th season next fall. The orchestra is comprised of the finest musicians from the greater New York area and has worked with the world’s finest soloists, including Midori, Joshua Bell, and the late Isaac Stern.

The Music Fest is presented by Westchester County Parks and sponsored by radio stations 100.7 WHUD and 107.1 the Peak, the Westchester Arts Council and the Friends of Westchester County Parks Inc.

The Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway in Valhalla, and can also be reached via Route 22, north or south.

For more information call 864-PARK or log on to www.westchestergov/com/parks

Places to go and things to do on July 4 Weekend

Friday, July 2:

Rye Playland, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye, Friday, June 2, and then again on Sunday, July 4, and Monday, July 5. There are no fireworks Saturday night (July 3). All Fireworks shows are at 9:15 p.m. Parking is $5.00. A great places to watch the fireworks and avoid the crowds include just outside the park entrance along the boardwalk and along the grass embankment across from the bus stops.

Scarsdale Municipal Pool, Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale; 9:15 p.m.; Fireworks; pool members only until 5 p.m.; there will be a $2 fee for all at the gate after 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 3:

 

Kensico Dam Plaza, 8 p.m. Philharmonic Concert, 9:15 p.m. Fireworks. Admission and parking Free. 

 

Sunday, July 4:

Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S. Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A rousing tribute to the history of our country will begin with the loud boom of a cannon, followed by a parade with military re-enactment, patriotic songs and speeches.

Sunnyside, historic home of author Washington Irving, West Sunnyside Lane off of Route 9, Tarrytown; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Plan for a full day of live entertainment including dramatic presentations, rousing speeches, period music, and traditional country dancing for everyone. Play ¨Town Ball¨ (19th-century baseball) with our costumed guides. Enjoy house tours and ice cream demonstrations throughout the day. Bring a picnic or buy food in the Courtyard Café. Admission: $12 adults, $6 children (5-17), $10 seniors (62+); parking $5. 

 

Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Buy your hot dogs and hamburgers at the Concession Stand or bring a picnic lunch for an afternoon of fun. Play old-fashioned games and try your hand at churning ice cream.

Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck Avenue and Boston Post Road; 8:30 p.m.; Fireworks; bring something to sit on.