Its Hot Outside
Its Hot Outside

Akwesasne Extreme Heat Alert Issued

Jul 11, 2016

Akwesasne, NY — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Planning Office is notifying the Akwesasne community that an Extreme Heat Alert has been issued. Temperatures are expected to reach more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit with hot and humid conditions from Tuesday, July 12th through Friday, July 15th. In response to the alert, the Tribe’s Office of the Aging (Tsi Tetewatatkens) will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day as an emergency cooling center, with water provided.

The Emergency Planning Office is asking local residents to note that extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can affect your health. On average, 675 deaths from extreme heat events occur each year in the United States; with the most vulnerable being the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, and people with a chronic medical condition. As a result, please check on elders and others that may require assistance.

To prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, individuals are asked to keep the following information in mind:

Stay cool

  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
  • Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
  • Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
  • Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.

    Stay hydrated

  • Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
  • Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
  • Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.


    Stay informed

  • Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
  • Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information.

    Additionally, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe- Emergency Planning Office encourages all residents to learn the signs and first aid response for heat-related illness. Warning signs and symptoms vary but may include:


    Heat Exhaustion

    Symptoms

  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness
  • Skin cold, pale, and clammy
  • Weak pulse
  • Fainting and vomiting


    Heat Stroke

    Symptoms

  • High body temperature (above 103°F)*
  • Hot, red, dry or moist skin
  • Rapid and strong pulse
  • Possible unconsciousness


    What You Should Do

  • Move to a cooler location.
  • Lie down and loosen your clothing.
  • Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
  • Sip water.
  • If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.


    What You Should Do

  • Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
  • Move the person to a cooler environment.
  • Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
  • Do NOT give fluids.

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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People. ­