Monticello, NY – The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for many parts of New York State until 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. This warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely.
Citizens are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms and out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. When possible, strenuous activities should be confined to early morning or evening.
For those in need of assistance during this period, there are plenty of resources available, and Sullivan County Public Health Services and the Office for the Aging has been checking on citizens in need today, via phone calls with high-risk patients and personal contact with home-delivered meal drivers.
Citizens seeking opportunities to cool off in public places are advised to check with their local jurisdictions on availability. However, as a reminder, several local libraries have weekend hours (visit http://www.rcls.org/?q=node/1785 to learn more about Sullivan County locations).
Also, public pools in Liberty, Bethel, Callicoon and Fallsburg are open, with Fallsburg’s pool opening for an additional hour on Saturday evening (until 7:45 p.m.). Sullivan County’s parks are open, and residents and visitors have the option to cool off at Lake Superior State Park until 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Also, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is available to those who meet income requirements. Many know HEAP as a way to help defer winter heating costs, but qualifying recipients may also obtain assistance with air conditioning during the summer. Visit the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ for details.
In any medical emergency, however, do not hesitate to dial 911.