Feelin’ hot, hot, hot
As some of you know I hate the cold, so one of my mantras is that I never complain about the heat. That said, the forecast for today and this weekend is for very high temperatures and a “feels like” that will climb into the 100’s. So, I will take this opportunity to remind you that heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that can be fatal. Symptoms include hot red, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse, and confusion. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke and immediately cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive. While not as serious as heat stroke, heat exhaustion can also pose a serious health treat. The Westchester County Health Department has the following tips to prevent heat related illness:
• Drink two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you aren’t thirsty.
• Limit any strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun's peak hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Take frequent breaks and drink lots of water if you work outside.
• Exercise when it is cooler, during early morning hours or in the evening.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks. These cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Stay indoors, ideally in an air-conditioned place.
• If your house or apartment isn't air-conditioned, try spending a few hours at a shopping mall, public library, movie theater or supermarket. A few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
Dogs on Leashes
Last month, I reminded all dog owners that it is the law that all dogs must be on a leash when in public places. This includes while walking on sidewalks, along the Aqueduct, or through the Irvington Woods. I continue to routinely observe dogs being allowed to run free in the Woods. In a final attempt to educate and remind our residents about the leash law, we have installed new signs at all of the entrances to the Woods. The signs were designed by the Irvington Woods Committee and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee. The Irvington Police Department and the Greenburgh Animal Control officers have been instructed to issue tickets if dogs are observed off-leash. Fines can be as much as $250.00. Please think twice the next time you walk your dog.
Also in dogs on leash related news, it was announced this week that the “Dog on Leash” pilot program in Matthiessen Park has been extended through the month of September. Hours are daily 7:15 AM to 10 AM. This is only open to residents who are registered in the program. (You can still register for the program at the Recreation and Parks Department.) Please sign up your dog and let them enjoy our beautiful park.
Harriman Road
On Monday, August 22nd, milling and paving will begin on Harriman Road. It will take about 4 - 6 days.
The road will be open, but there may be intermittent closures, so expect delays. Use an alternate route if possible.
For any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 591-6044.
Thank You Mercy College
I am pleased to report on a cooperative effort that may have gone unnoticed. Mercy College has generously agreed to allow us to use a 35 passenger bus for transporting our Teenscape Travel Camp this summer. In a great example of cooperation, we supply a driver and gas to operate the bus, which is being supplied free of charge by Mercy College. This effort has saved the Village several thousand dollars. I would like to thank Mercy College President Tim Hall and Vice President for Operations and Facilities Tom Simmonds, along with Recreation and Parks Superintendent Joe Archino, for their efforts to save money for Irvington’s taxpayers.
Enjoy your summer and try to stay cool!
Sincerely,
Brian C. Smith, Mayor
bsmith@irvingtonny.gov