Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

"I urge New Yorkers to take any and all necessary precautions this weekend against extreme heat," Governor Cuomo said. "State parks with swimming facilities will be open later, and if air conditioning is not available to you, there are public cooling stations all throughout the state. Be sure to check on neighbors and limit outdoor activity to ensure that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy through the extreme temperatures."

This period of hot weather will result in an increased risk of heat stress and heat-related illness. People who are susceptible to heat related illnesses - including young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work, and those who have respiratory diseases such as asthma - should take necessary steps to stay cool as temperatures rise.

New Yorkers should monitor local weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information. For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.

The New York State Department of Public Service has activated the Peak Load Reduction Program for all New York State agencies today and tomorrow between the hours of 1:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. Additionally, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has suspended all work on transmission lines 115kv and above for tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. Likewise, the State's utilities are returning their systems to normal and suspending any planned outage work to ensure enough electric capacity is available to meet customer's needs. Customer conservation and voluntary reduction communications will also be a focus. Finally, the Department will be monitoring electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any conditions.

New York State Swimming Facilities and Cooling Centers
Governor Cuomo today has directed the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to offer extended hours at state swimming facilities during the heat wave to help New Yorkers beat the heat. The extended hours will begin Friday and continue through Sunday at the following State Parks.

For details and a complete list of all available swim locations and places to cool off please visit www.parks.ny.gov and select a state park near you. New Yorkers should also call ahead as adverse weather conditions may affect pool and beach hours.

The New York State Department of Health has also created an online list of cooling centers where people can cool down on days of extreme temperatures. A list of addresses and phone numbers for cooling centers shared by local health departments and emergency management offices in each region is available here.

Heat Tips
Excessive heat is the leading cause of preventable, weather-related deaths each year, particularly among the elderly. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat causes more than 600 preventable deaths in the United States yearly. To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat the Governor offered the following tips:

People Who Should Be Aware:

• Elderly persons and small children are mostly affected
• Persons with weight or alcohol problems
• Persons on certain medications or drugs

Be Prepared:

• Slow down on strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun's peak hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Exercise should be done in the early morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Eat less protein and more fruits and vegetables. Protein produces and increases metabolic heat, which causes water loss. Eat small meals, but eat more often. Do not eat salty foods.
• Drink at least two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• If possible, stay out of the sun and stay in air conditioning. The sun heats the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a public building with air conditioning
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head. When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body.
• Do not leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or vehicle during periods of intense summer heat. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill within a matter of minute.
• Make an effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are elderly, have young children or have special needs. Make sure there is enough food and water for pets

Know the Signs of Heat Related Illness
Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. Call 911 if you or someone you know shows signs or symptoms of heat illness, including:

• Headache
• Light headedness
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

For more information on how to stay safe during periods of excessive heat, click here.

New Yorkers Urged to Conserve Electricity
Taking smart steps to reduce energy use, particularly during periods of peak demand, not only helps to lower the state's peak load, it will save consumers money when electricity is the most expensive. To reduce energy use, particularly during peak periods, the public is encouraged to take some of the following low- or no-cost energy saving measures:

Water Safety
Boaters should make sure to take proper safety precautions when enjoying the many boating opportunities New York State has to offer. The State Parks Marine Services Bureau offers the following safety tips.

Boaters are reminded to practice safe and responsible boating, including:

• Wear a personal floatation device whenever they are on the water. State law requires that children under age 12 wear a personal flotation device while on a watercraft;
• Complete a safe boating course;
• Properly equip and inspect their vessel;
• Maintain a prudent speed;
• Refrain from mixing alcohol with boating; and
• Check the weather forecast before heading out on the water to learn about potential storms and seek immediate shelter on shore if thunder is audible.

People paddling canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards should know their abilities and take precautions when there are high or steady winds creating large waves, or when they are in strong currents. Paddlers in waters where there are motorboats should keep close to shorelines and out of main channels.