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The heat wave that has blanketed about two-thirds of the nation will continue throughout the weekend and bring temperatures in the high 90s with a heat index as high as 110, according to the National Weather Service. The towns of Pound Ridge and Lewisboro will not escape the brutal heats grip the Weather Service has issued heat advisories in 34 states, including New York.
Locally, Pound Ridge and Lewisboro residents who may be without air conditioning can seek refuge in several public places to cool off for a spell. The town houses in both towns act as cooling centers for those who need relief from the heat. The local libraries will also provide sanctuary.
The library is just as much a cooling center as the Town House, said Pound Ridge Library Director Marilyn Tinter. Plus, we are open longer. While the Town House is only open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the library is open to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and on Saturdays during the summer from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cindy Rubino, the Lewisboro library director, said she definitely sees an increase in traffic at the library as the mercury rises and invites seniors and families with small children to take refuge if they need to.
Both Lewisboro and Pound Ridge offer the Are You OK program for senior citizens. Its an automated dialing system that calls seniors on the list each day. If the senior doesnt answer, police are dispatched to the house to check on them.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has other tips you can follow to stay safe during the heat wave. For children they advised:
Make sure your child's safety seat and safety belt buckles aren't too hot before securing your child in a safety restraint system, especially when your car has been parked in the heat.
Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.
Always make sure all children have left the car when you reach your destination. Don't leave sleeping infants in the car.
For adults, the NWS advises:
Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or rescheduled strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, senior and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol or decaffeinated fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limited caffeinated beverages.
During excess heat period, spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat.
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