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.

As fawning season continues across the Hudson Valley, wildlife experts are reminding residents that if you come across a young fawn lying alone, the best thing you can do is leave it where it is.

Although it may appear abandoned, it is completely normal for a mother deer (doe) to leave her fawn alone for several hours while she forages for food. Does often hide their fawns in tall grass, gardens, wooded areas, or even near homes, where they hope predators will be less likely to approach.

The doe typically returns only a few times each day to nurse her fawn and may move it to a new location once it is safe. If people or pets are nearby, the mother may delay returning to avoid drawing attention to her baby.

Wildlife officials urge residents not to touch, move, or attempt to rescue a fawn unless it is clearly injured or its mother is confirmed to be dead.

Pet owners are also encouraged to keep dogs leashed when walking near wooded areas or tall grass during the next several weeks to avoid disturbing hidden fawns.

Remember: A fawn lying quietly by itself is usually not abandoned—it’s exactly where its mother expects it to be.