July 13, 2016
BATH, NY – The Steuben County Office of Emergency Services sent out the following statement today:
The Steuben County Office of Emergency Management alerts county residents temperatures are expected to reach into the upper 80’s and low 90’s during the next few days in most areas of our region.
The combination of high heat and humidity will bring heat indices into the mid 90’s, Steuben officials reported, urging all residents to follow the following safety tips for heat waves:
• Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, even with the window partially down.
• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Wear lightweight and light colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often.
• Avoid drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine these substances dehydrate the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high protein foods, which increase the metabolic rate.
Weather and health experts may use unfamiliar terms when describing the effects of sustained heat. The county OES offers the following explanations:
Heat wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity.
Heat index: How hot it really feels in degrees Fahrenheit when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature.
Heat cramps: Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Usually occur in abdominal or leg muscles.
Heat exhaustion: Occurs when people exercise or work excessively in a warm humid place where body fluids are lost through sweating heavily. Blood flow to the skin increases, decreasing the flow to vital organs, which may result in mild shock. If not treated, body temperature will continue to rise and victim may suffer heat stroke.
