Elementary Schools Say 'Prep for Heat'

Anticipated high temperatures have prompted Cortlandt and Croton area elementary schools to recommend bringing water bottles in lunches, to dress children lightly, and to apply sunscreen before sending children to school. According to Dr. Neritan Mani, of the Hudson Valley Hospital Center, it’s for a good reason.

Dr. Mani said that children and people over 65 are most susceptible to heat related illnesses, including heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is the most serious of heat related illnesses, and is considered “an emergency medical condition.”

Technically, heat stroke is when the body’s temperature is elevated above 104 degrees. Symptoms for heat stroke include confusion, flushed skin, reduced blood pressure, fainting and even hallucination.

“The best way is prevention,” Mani said, which includes hydrating, staying in well ventilated shady areas, and generally staying out of the sun. But if you see someone you think might have heat stroke, you should call emergency medical services (911) and apply cool towels and ice to their skin.

Neither Furnace Woods Elementary or Carrie E. Tompkins has a fully air conditioned building. Dr. Mani’s final recommendation for those who don’t have air conditioning at home is to take a walk through the mall, or “go to the movies.”

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