Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus asks all residents to protect themselves and their families from the heat.
“Excessive heat is one of the leading causes of death in America, and we all should take this extreme heat situation seriously,” Neuhaus said. “I urge residents to take caution and make any necessary adjustments to their daily lives and work schedules. Be sure to also check in on senior relatives to ensure their safety.”
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) the County is in Moderate, Category 2, which means that this level of heat affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling or adequate hydration.
“Stay hydrated, avoid being out during midday heat, and remember to check on vulnerable family members and neighbors,” stated Dr. Alicia Pointer, Orange County Department of Health Commissioner. “If you don’t have reliable air conditioning, know your local cooling center ahead of time by checking out the NY State Cooling Center locator.”
Cooling Center locator: health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/
Residents will be feeling temperatures close to 95–104 degrees Fahrenheit, and with that comes the potential for a heat-related illness. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: headache, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps, confusion, irritability, disorientation, or hallucinations, and trouble breathing, call 911.
“Orange County will remain in a heat advisory through 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity where possible and stay hydrated,” states Deputy Commissioner, Orange County Emergency Management, Alan Mack. “If you experience heat stress or exhaustion symptoms such as nausea, headache, or dizziness; move to a cool place and call 911.”
For updated information, please follow the Orange County Emergency Services social media page at: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyEmergencyManagement/
How to prepare for extreme heat (Orange County, NY Department of Health):
- Cover windows with drapes or shades. Weatherstrip doors and windows. Add insulation to keep the heat out. Use window reflectors to reflect the heat outside.
- Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building's attic by clearing out hot air.
- Don’t rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illness.
- Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness. For more information, visit: https://www.cd.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html
How to stay safe during extreme heat:
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- If you’re outside, find shade, and wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- If you don’t have A/C, go to a cool place like a library or mall. Find all the cooling centers throughout the County here: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling
Orange County Cooling Centers:
- Crawford Town Hall – 121 State Route 32, Pine Bush
- Goodwill Church – 2135 State Route 208, Montgomery
- Grace Community Church – 2839 State Route 94, Washingtonville
- Middletown Thrall Library – 11-19 Depot St, Middletown
- Monroe Free Library – 44 Millpond Parkway, Monroe
- Municipal Center – 1 Municipal Square, Walden
- Newburgh Free Library – 124 Grand St, Newburgh
- Port Jervis Free Library – 138 Pike St, Port Jervis
- Port Jervis Youth/Community Center – 134 Pike St, Port Jervis
- Rec Department Activity Century – 401 Washington St, Newburgh
- Village Hall of Warwick – 77 Main St, Warwick
- Village of Florida Senior Center – 3 Cohen Circle, Florida
- Village of Goshen Senior Center – 100 Trotter Circle, Goshen
- Village of Greenwood Lake Senior Center – 132 Windermere Ave, Greenwood Lake
- Warwick Town Senior Center – 132 Kings Highway, Warwick
- Wawayanda Senior Citizens Building – NY-284, Slate Hill