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Jefferson County Fire and Emergency Management

753 Waterman Dr. Watertown, NY 13601 Office 315-786-2654 FAX 315-785-3301 Dispatch 315-786-2601

Joseph D. Plummer Director


josephp@co.jefferson.ny.us

Frederick D. Lampman Deputy Director


flampman@co.jefferson.ny.us

July 21, 2011

HEAT ADVISORY AND TIPS ***For Immediate Press Release***


The Jefferson County Office of Fire and Emergency Management along with Jefferson County Public Health Service (JCPHS) is reminding everyone to use extreme caution with the extremely high temperatures that we are currently experiencing. These high temperatures can cause heat stroke and dehydration which could be fatal.

The public is reminded to seek shelter from the heat in air conditioned buildings such as shopping malls, stores or government buildings. Jefferson County is advising that the emergency operation center in the basement of the County Office Building is open until 4pm today and 8am till 4pm on Friday as a cooling station in the event that anyone needs to get out of the heat and seek some relief.

Attached is a press release from the City of Watertown with cooling station information as well as a release from JCPHS to help with getting through this heat wave. Updated information will be shared on the Jefferson County Website www.co.jefferson.ny.us , JCPHS website and their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/JCPHS) as necessary.

Jefferson County reminds everyone to stay well hydrated with plenty of water and attempt to avoid strenuous activity. Residents are also asked to keep an eye on the elderly and very young children as they are more susceptible to the heat.

Call 911 immediately for any possible signs of heat stroke or dehydration.

Jefferson County Home of the Thousand Islands & U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division

Jefferson County PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE


Public Health Facility, 531 Meade Street, Watertown, New York 13601

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kristi Briones PHONE: (315) 786-3735

Extreme Heat Expected Residents are advised to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.
Watertown, NY With high temperatures expected this week Jefferson County Public Health Service reminds residents to take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can affect your health. On average, 675 deaths from extreme heat events occur each year in the United States. Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with a chronic medical condition. Stay cool Stay in air-conditioned buildings. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day. Stay hydrated Drink more than usual and dont wait until youre thirsty to drink. Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside. Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar. Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water. Stay informed Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips. Visit www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/ to find information and tips for preventing heat sickness. Sign up for free weather alerts to your phone or e-mail from Web sites such as www.weather.com/mobile Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information. Additionally, the Jefferson County Public Health Service encourages all residents to learn the signs and first aid response for heat-related illness. Warning signs and symptoms vary but may include:

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms Heavy sweating Weakness Skin cold, pale, and clammy Weak pulse Fainting and vomiting What You Should Do Move to a cooler location. Lie down and loosen your clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible. Sip water. If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately. Heat Stroke Symptoms High body temperature (above 103F)* Hot, red, dry or moist skin Rapid and strong pulse Possible unconsciousness What You Should Do Call 911 immediately this is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler environment. Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath. Do NOT give fluids. ##

PRESS RELEASE
July 20, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: City Managers Office HEAT WAVE City residents are reminded the extreme heat can have dire health consequences, particularly for the elderly and persons with chronic health conditions. City residents are reminded that our many parks provide tree cover and respite from the heat, and our three City pools are open 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Parks and Recreation Department is accepting signups for swimming lessons; you may contact them at 785-7775. Those City residents without access to air conditioning at home are also reminded that public buildings, like City Hall and the Flower Memorial Library, can be a respite from the heat over the next couple of days. City residents in need of a cool spot are welcome to utilize City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Flower Memorial Library is available for your reading pleasure 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday. While the warm weather is something many people have been waiting for, this weeks extreme heat should give pause as sensible precautions are advised. For further information or questions, contact City Managers Office at 785-7730.

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