State officials warn seniors about heat wave

ALBANY, N.Y. » The director the New York State Office for the Aging warned senior citizens and their caregivers about high temperatures as a heat wave moved in this weekend.

Agency leader Greg Olsen said Friday that hot weather can be particularly dangerous for older adults, especially those who live alone, are low-income or have chronic health conditions.

The state recommends staying inside in air-conditioned buildings and avoiding strenuous activity to decrease the risk of heat-related illness. Other tips include drinking lots of water and eating meals that don’t require a stove or oven to prepare. Officials also encourage people to ensure pets have enough food and water.

High temperatures moved into many parts of the state beginning Friday, and the warm weather is expected to stick around for a while.

The National Weather Service in Albany said Saturday high temperatures in the mid to high-90s are in the forecast for Saratoga Springs for the next few days.

The NWS is warning people in the Capital Region to prepare for the hot temperatures and high humidity expected Saturday through Monday.

“The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible,” the NWS said.

The agency noted anyone working or spending time outside should take extra precautions, including rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening, and wearing light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible.

According to the state Department of Health website, cooling centers in Saratoga County include:

• Clifton Park Community Center, 6 Clifton Commons Blvd, Clifton Park, 12065, 518-383-1343

• Corinth Fire Dept, 16 Saratoga Ave, Corinth, 12822, 518-654-6789

• Galway EMS, 2175 Galway Rd, Galway, 12074, 518882-1234

• Gansevoort Fire Dept, 1870 Rt 32 North, Gansevoort, 12831, 518-7924396

• Greenfield Community Center, 7 Wilton Rd, Greenfield Center, 12833, 518-893-7432

• Hadley Senior Center, 23 Maple St, Hadley, 12835, 518-696-2280

• Northumberland Town Hall, 17 Catherine St, Gansevoort, 12831, 518-792-9179

• Saratoga Springs Indoor Rec Center, 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs, 12866, 518-587-3550

• Saratoga Springs Senior Center, 5 Williams St, Saratoga Springs, 12866, 518-584-1621

• Shelly Park Community Center, 19 Elm Street, Gansevoort, 12831, 518-3383858 (Open to Shelly Park Community residents only)

The DOH noted people should call and check to make sure the location is open. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.