Community

Heat Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe During Hot Summer Weather

Published

2 weeks ago

June 29, 2026

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illness. Spending time outdoors, working in the heat, or even staying in a home without adequate cooling can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke if proper precautions aren’t taken.

How to Stay Cool

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Avoid sugary drinks and excessive alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, or seek shade if you’re outdoors.
Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Take frequent breaks if working or exercising outside.
Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from direct sunlight.

Protect Children, Older Adults, and Pets

Young children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and outdoor workers are at greater risk for heat-related illness. Check on elderly neighbors and relatives during periods of extreme heat.

Pets are also vulnerable. Always provide fresh water and shade, avoid walking dogs on hot pavement, and never leave a child or pet unattended in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. Symptoms may include:

Hot, dry, or flushed skin
Rapid pulse
Rapid, shallow breathing
Body temperature above 105°F
Confusion, dizziness, disorientation, or unconsciousness

If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler location, loosen or remove excess clothing, and begin cooling them with cool water, wet towels, or ice packs while waiting for emergency responders.

Taking simple precautions can help you and your family stay safe, healthy, and cool throughout the summer.

Community

Orangeburg Fire Department to Host Community Blood Drive Amid Blood Emergency

Published

1 hour ago

July 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As blood supplies remain critically low, the Orangeburg Fire Department is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives by participating in an upcoming community blood drive.

The blood drive will be held Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orangeburg Fire House, located at 61 Dutch Hill Road, Orangeburg.

Hosted in partnership with the New York Blood Center, the event comes as a blood emergency has been declared, highlighting the urgent need for donors to help replenish the region’s blood supply. Blood donations are essential for trauma victims, surgery patients, cancer treatments and others facing medical emergencies.

Appointments are preferred and can be made through the New York Blood Center at NYBC.org, although walk-in donors will be welcomed as space permits.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a signed parental consent form, meet minimum weight requirements, be feeling healthy and symptom-free, and bring a donor ID card or a photo ID.

Organizers also encourage donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

Every blood donation has the potential to save lives, making each donor’s contribution an important step in ensuring local hospitals have the blood they need when emergencies arise.

Community

Rockland Residents Urged to Donate Blood as Regional Supply Faces Ongoing Need

Published

1 hour ago

July 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With only about 2% of eligible New Yorkers donating blood, maintaining an adequate blood supply remains an ongoing challenge for hospitals in Rockland County, the Hudson Valley and across the state.

Unlike many medical treatments, blood cannot be manufactured, and because blood products have a limited shelf life, the need for donors never ends. Red blood cells can be stored for about 42 days, while platelets remain usable for only five to seven days, requiring a constant supply of new donations to meet patient needs.

Blood transfusions play a critical role in treating trauma victims, surgical patients, cancer patients and others facing life-threatening medical emergencies. According to the New York Blood Center, a single blood donation can help save up to three lives.

To help strengthen the regional blood supply, Rockland Paramedic Services is partnering with the New York Blood Center to host a community blood drive on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at RPS headquarters in New City as part of NYBC’s “Blood for a Brew” campaign.

As first responders, paramedics witness firsthand the importance of having blood readily available before an emergency occurs. Organizers say the event is intended to raise awareness of the region’s ongoing need for blood donors while encouraging eligible residents to make a donation that could benefit patients throughout the Hudson Valley.

Officials emphasize that maintaining a strong local and regional blood supply depends on regular donors. Because blood products expire quickly and demand remains constant, every donation helps ensure hospitals have lifesaving blood available when it is needed most.

Residents who are eligible to donate are encouraged to participate in the Aug. 6 blood drive and help support hospitals and patients across the region.