Extended Heat Wave Rolls Into Huntington

Hot, humid weather will arrive in the area this weekend and linger through Independence Day, forecasters say.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the area from Sunday noon until 9 p.m. Monday.

Local residents are advised to use caution in the extended heat wave. Senior citizens, young children and those with health problems should be extra careful. Temperatures are expected to range in the 90s throughout the next several days.

The NWS also said that residents of the eastern two-thirds of the country will face a widespread and dangerous heat wave.  Highs will be 10 to 20 degrees above average and heat indices will exceed 100 degrees.

The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also warns that the heat also endangers pets.

“Parked cars are deathtraps for dogs: On a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes,” the Suffolk SPCA said.

Huntington beaches are expected to be crowded. Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci said at a press conference Friday that lifeguards and others were prepared for emergencies such as drug overdoses and other health problems.

Lifeguards and public safety officials demonstrated the techniques at the press conference needed to perform CPR and administer Narcan in cases of drug overdoses. Suffolk County has the highest rate of overdose deaths in the State of New York. In 2017, as many as 600 people died from opioid overdoses on Long Island, 400 in Suffolk County alone, the town noted.

“As we approach the nation’s birthday, we must anticipate that where there is recreation, there is a potential for drug use. In April, I announced that all Town of Huntington lifeguards, park rangers, bay constables and public safety patrols would be trained to administer Narcan,”  Lupinacci. said “In early June, all Town of Huntington lifeguards and beach managers were trained in this life-saving tool, and the training continues with other Town employees tasked with ensuring public safety.”

In addition, Valley Grove Beach and Huntington Beach Community Association Beach are closed to bathing due to the presence of bacteria at levels that exceed acceptable criteria, the Suffolk County Department of Health said.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an ozone health advisory for Long Island and the metropolitan New York City Region. Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken advises that  all residents, especially young children, seniors, those who exercise or are involved in strenuous outdoor work, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems, limit strenuous outdoor activity. Ozone levels are often elevated after noon through early evening on hot, sunny days.

 

Safety demonstration

 

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