With the extreme heat predicted, residents can visit one of 26 cooling centers throughout the county. Location and contact information is listed below.
New City, NY — With summer temperatures soaring across the Hudson Valley, Rockland County officials are issuing a grave warning about the dangers of leaving children and pets unattended in vehicles during extreme heat. County Executive Ed Day and Sheriff Louis Falco III emphasized the potentially fatal consequences in a joint message urging public awareness and action.
“This is not just a safety warning—it’s a matter of life and death,” said County Executive Ed Day. “We must never leave a child or pet unattended in a car, especially in the heat.”
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a vehicle’s interior can heat up by more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit within just 10 minutes—even if the windows are cracked open. On a sweltering day, cabin temperatures can exceed 120°F rapidly, creating deadly conditions.
Children’s bodies heat up significantly faster than adults, putting them at heightened risk of heatstroke, which can lead to organ failure or death. Pets are equally vulnerable, with symptoms of heatstroke such as heavy breathing, confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness developing in a matter of minutes.
“Dozens of children are killed each year from heatstroke after being left or trapped in a hot vehicle,” noted Sheriff Falco. “These are entirely avoidable tragedies, and we ask parents and community members to remain vigilant.”
Residents who see a child or pet alone in a vehicle are urged to call 911 immediately. Under New York State law, if the individual appears in distress, citizens are allowed to take action to remove them from the car.
In addition to vehicle safety, the county also issued general tips for staying safe during extreme heat:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Eat Smart: Include high-water-content foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberries in your diet.
- Avoid Peak Heat Hours: Remain indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when possible.
- Use Air Conditioning: Visit air-conditioned spaces such as libraries or malls if your home lacks AC.
- Protect Your Skin: Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours, particularly after swimming or sweating.