American Red Cross opens cooling stations in Washington, Saratoga counties
(July 6, 2010): As upstate New York wrestles with record-breaking heat, the American Red Cross - Adirondack Saratoga Chapter has announced that they will open cooling stations in Washington and Saratoga counties as of 4:00 p.m. today (July 6).
The cooling stations listed below will be open from 4:00-9:00 p.m. today and 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. tomorrow (July 7). Please note: there are no overnight accommodations at the stations listed below.
- Fort Edward Fire House, 114 Broadway in Fort Edward, Washington County
- Middle Falls Fire House, 1034 Route 29 in Greenwich, Washington County
- Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring Street in Schuylerville, Saratoga County
Cooling stations are safe, air-conditioned places for local residents to escape from the heat. The Red Cross will serve free cold water and snacks. For those planning on coming to a cooling station, the Red Cross recommends bringing any necessary over-the-counter or prescription medications, food to meet special dietary needs, games or toys for children, and any needed formula or supplies for infants.
For hygiene and safety reasons, pets are not permitted in Red Cross cooling stations.
The Red Cross urges residents to follow the following four-part plan to stay cool in the heat:
- Protect Yourself from High Heat Impact
- Prepare for Potential Power Outages
- Swim with Safety
- Care for Your Neighbors
1) Heat Safety:
Prolonged exposure to excessive humidity and high temperatures can put stress on our bodies. Minimize this impact by staying cool, staying inside and staying hydrated by drinking lots of water. When air conditioning is not available at home or through a cooling station, go to a mall, a movie or visit your local library for relief. If you must be outside:
- Wear light-colored clothing
- Drink water, even if you are not thirsty
- Work in the morning, before it gets too hot
- Take frequent breaks in cool locations, preferably indoors
2) Power Outage Preparedness:
Hot summer days mean increased energy use for air conditioning, putting a strain on power supplies. This creates the potential for temporary blackouts. Assemble essential supplies ahead of time:
- Flashlight (remember, due to the extreme risk of fire, candles should not be used during a power outage)
- Portable radio
- Extra batteries (for flashlight and portable radio)
- At least one gallon of water per person and pet per day
- A small supply of food for people and pets
- Keep your car fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps
3) Swimming Safety:
Many people seek heat relief in pools, lakes and oceans. Dehydration and extreme sunburn are still risks, even when you are in the water. Be sure to follow these heat precautions even when out by the pool:
- Swim in supervised areas only
- Obey all rules and posted signs
- Exercise extreme caution when swimming in rivers. High levels of rain can cause flash flooding and unpredictable currents
- Don't mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm
- Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts, especially thunder and lightning storms. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather
- American Red Cross swimming lessons teach aquatic and safety skills in a logical progression. The objective is to teach people to swim and to be safe in, on and around the water. If you haven't learned to swim yet, start now!
4) Care for Your Neighbors:
The Red Cross encourages residents to check in with their neighbors during extreme heat. Even if you have power, someone a few doors down from you in your neighborhood may not.
Older adults, the infirm, and families with young children in particular may have difficulty dealing with high temperatures, poor air quality, or power outages. If you find a neighbor is in need of assistance, please call your local police station or 911 immediately in an emergency situation.
About the American Red Cross - Adirondack-Saratoga Chapter
The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Led by volunteer Boards of Directors, your local Red Cross Chapters are supported by community donations. The Adirondack Saratoga Chapter provides services to Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Hamilton and southern Essex Counties. The Northeastern New York Chapter provides services to Albany, Columbia, Greene, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Schoharie counties and the Town of Waterford in Saratoga County. |
