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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Thursday and Friday afternoon and evening. Temperatures are expected to creep up to 96 degrees Thursday, dip down to as low as 75 degrees during the night, and spike back up to 99 degrees Friday.
The county has designated a few cooling centers in White Plains for residents needing to duck out of the heat. Stop by the Senior Center at 65 Mitchell Place and the Galleria and Westchester malls if you start to overheat.
White Plains has also extended the Kitrell and Galleria pool hours from noon to 8 p.m. through this Sunday. Admission is free to all city residents.
The county Health Department advises residents to look out for heat-related illnesses. Anyone experiencing muscular pains or spasms in his legs or abdominal region may be suffering from heat cramps. Heat cramps should be treated by moving the person to a cool place and drinking a half a glass of water every 15 minutes. Applying wet towels or sheets to the person may help alleviate the cramps.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: nausea, dizziness, profuse sweating, and moist, pale, or flushed skin. Anyone concerned about heat exhaustion should move to a cool location, loosen tight clothing, and drink a half a glass of cool water every quarter of an hour. If the person refuses water, vomits up water, or becomes unconscious, call 9-1-1.
If you suspect someone is suffering from a heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's cooling system stops working. Excessive body temperatures, shallow breathing, a weak pulse, changes in consciousness, and hot, red or itchy skin may signal that someone is suffering from heat stroke. While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, have the person lay down in a cool place and wrap him in wet sheets. Use fans and ice packs, if available.
Are you enjoying the heat? Have you taken advantage of the pools' extended hours and the cooling centers? What's your favorite way to keep cool in White Plains? Email thoughts to strangle@thedailywhiteplains.com and we'll include your responses in future coverage.
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