Important Information for Upcoming Heat Wave

Extreme Heat Warning Issued

Para leer este mensaje en español, visite nuestro sitio web y utilice la función de traducción.

Westchester County has been placed under an Extreme Heat Warning beginning at noon Wednesday through 9 PM Wednesday. High temperatures are expected to range between 96 and 101 degrees, with heat indices (feel-like temperatures) reaching up to 110 degrees at times. An Extreme Heat Watch remains in effect for Thursday through Saturday for similar conditions.

The Croton Free Library, located at 171 Cleveland Drive, serves as the Village's designated cooling center during normal operating hours. Please check the library's website for the full schedule of hours.

Silver Lake will be open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM. Daily fees for Village and School District residents will be waived on Wednesday due to the extreme heat warning being issued; a Parks ID card is still required to be shown. Should the extreme heat warning be extended, daily fees will be waived for its duration.

As with all heat waves, the possibility exists for power outages/brownouts. Should you lose power, please report the outage to Con Edison at 1-800-75-CONED as well as the Croton Police Department at 914-271-5177.

Residents are strongly encouraged to register with the Village's emergency notification system, Everbridge, if you have not done so to receive any emergency alerts.

From the National Weather Service:

An Extreme Heat Warning means that the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. If you don't have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot, and for a few days after if your home is still hot. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 911.

Westchester County Parks is keeping the pool and beach open for an extra hour Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2!

Open from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains
Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers
The Brook at Tibbetts in Yonkers
Willson's Waves in Mt. Vernon
Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle
Playland Beach & Pool in Rye

Admission fees apply. Parking fees at Glen Island, Playland, and Tibbetts apply. Proof of Westchester County residency is required at Saxon, Sprain, Tibbetts, Willson's, and Glen Island.

Visit parks.westchestercountyny.gov for more info.

Below are some tips from Con Edison on how to conserve energy during the heat wave:

Limit the use of multiple air conditioners whenever possible. If you have two A/Cs, use only one.
Set your air conditioner to the highest comfortable temperature. Every degree you lower the thermostat increases costs;
Defer using energy-intensive appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines until late in the evening when demand typically goes down;
Use only one large appliance at a time;
Even when using AC, use ceiling and other fans to provide additional cooling and better circulation;
Turn off AC units, lights and other appliances when not at home and use a timer to turn on your AC about a half-hour before arriving home;
Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.

New Yorkers should also plan accordingly for pet care to ensure pet safety during periods of extreme heat:

Never leave a pet unattended in the car. Like children, dogs and other animals have a harder time staying cool, leaving them extremely vulnerable to heatstroke. A car can overheat even when the window has been left cracked an inch or two. Parking in the shade or leaving water in the vehicle won’t prevent your pet from overheating, either. If you see a pet in a hot car, call 911 immediately.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), young, overweight or senior animals or those with short muzzles or thick or dark coats are most at risk for overheating.
Provide ample water indoors and outdoors.
Limit outdoor activity, and if outdoors, rest in shaded areas regularly.
Be mindful of pavement temperatures — hot surfaces may cause burns on paws, so consider walking on grass or using pet boots.
Never leave pets in vehicles unattended when heat is a risk.
Know the signs of heatstroke in pets including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and stumbling.