Harrison Battles First Heat Wave of Summer

Harrison residents battled triple-digit temperatures Tuesday as the first heat wave of the summer season resulted in a heat advisory that remained in effect well into the evening hours.

High temperatures for the day reached 100 degrees throughout southern Westchester County.

Residents are urged by the National Weather Service to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms whenever possible and check-in on relatives and neighbors. The heat advisory was in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday, but dangerously high temperatures are expected again on Wednesday.

Con Edison reported only 15 of power-outages in Harrison on Tuesday afternoon, but residents are encouraged to use air conditioners only when necessary, and not in vacant rooms.

Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh said that the Harrison Community Center on Halstead Avenue, as well as the Mintzer Center in West Harrison will be air-conditioned and open to the public during the day on Tuesday and Wednesday. She added that the town decided against opening cooling centers because no one has visited them in the past.

"This is a really self-sufficient community that way," she said. "People are more likely to visit neighbors or go to the movies."

Walsh added that anyone in need is, however, welcomed at either of the opened centers to cool off during the day.

Harrison is also battling a temporary shortage of water, a result of the high temperatures and lack of recent precipitation. All residents were urged earlier this week to use water only when absolutely necessary and to avoid watering lawns during the peak water-use hours of 5 - 10 a.m.

The National Weather Service is predicting a high-temperature of 97 degrees on Wednesday, and another heat advisory is already in effect.

The Red Cross offers the following tips to people in the area during a heat wave:

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service.
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• Check in on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.