06/30/2026
β οΈ EXTREME HEAT EMERGENCY INFORMATION β RENSSELAER COUNTY β οΈ
Rensselaer County continues to experience dangerous heat and humidity, with heat index values expected to exceed 100Β°F in many areas. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can quickly become life-threatening, especially for older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and those without access to air conditioning.
π‘οΈ Please take the following precautions to stay safe:
β’ Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments whenever possible.
β’ Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
β’ Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day (typically 11 AM β 6 PM).
β’ Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
β’ Never leave children, adults, or pets unattended in vehicles.
β’ Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone who may be vulnerable to heat-related illness.
β’ If you work outdoors, take frequent breaks in shaded or cooled areas.
π¨ Know the signs of heat-related emergencies:
βοΈ Heat Exhaustion:
β’ Heavy sweating
β’ Weakness or dizziness
β’ Nausea or vomiting
β’ Headache
β’ Cool, pale, or clammy skin
β‘οΈ Move to a cool location, loosen clothing, sip water, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
π Heat Stroke (MEDICAL EMERGENCY β CALL 911):
β’ Body temperature above 103Β°F
β’ Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
β’ Confusion or altered mental status
β’ Loss of consciousness
β’ Seizures
β‘οΈ Call 911 immediately. Heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly.
π’ Cooling Centers remain available throughout Rensselaer County, including libraries, senior centers, and other public facilities with varying hours of operation. Residents are encouraged to contact their local facility directly to confirm operating hours before traveling.
π Additionally, the City of Rensselaer has announced that the North End Fire Station, located at 2 St. Francis Place, Rensselaer, will be open as a cooling center beginning Wednesday at 7:00 AM and will remain open continuously through Friday at 7:00 PM.
Please continue to monitor local weather forecasts, limit unnecessary outdoor exposure, and take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors during this period of extreme heat.
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe.