West Islip Feeling Effects of Summer Scorcher

Take a step outside, you just might break a sweat. After excessive heat and humidity during the 4th of July holiday, West Islip is once again getting punished by this latest onslaught of summer heat. BBQ's and get togethers are still going on around town, and there is no doubt that people are noticing the scorching temperatures.

The term "heat wave" applies when the daily high temperature exceeds the normal mark by 9 degrees for five consecutive days. If you ask residents around town, they may not be interested as much as the technical terms of a heat wave, but the many discomforts and dangers that may accompany one.

According to Slate.com, more Americans die from heat waves every year than any other natural disasters combined. An average of 400 Americans die annually from the heat and humidity that is associated with a heat wave, a staggering number considering that the amount of Americans who die each year from tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes is under 200.

With temperatures soaring both today and yesterday, West Islip has already accomplished something it had failed to do all of last June and July, reach the 90 degree mark.

One local resident described the weather as "unbearable," and said she could barely get into her front door, "even the doorknob was hot," she said.

With several days of 90-plus degree weather on tap for the area, this "mini heat wave" brings with it a concern for the safety of people exposed to the elements. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency web site, there are several precautions you can take to avoid the dangers of the heat and humidity:

What you should do if the weather is extremely hot:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.