Press Releases

The Westchester County Department of Health is alerting residents of a suspected rabid coyote in the Eastchester/Bronxville area.  The animal attacked two dogs and three people today, March 9, near Siwanoy Country Club and Twin Lakes Park. Eastchester Police believe they have killed the animal.

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately. Also, any animal bite or physical contact with an animal suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000, available 24 hours a day. Residents who may have had any contact with a wild or stray animal are also advised to notify their health care provider and contact the Health Department right away for guidance.

Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “To avoid rabies, residents should steer clear of wild animals and strays and teach children never to approach or handle animals they do not know, even if they appear young, injured or friendly. Children should be told to report any bite or scratch immediately. It is also important to keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date and take steps to discourage wild animals from visiting your yard.”

Amler added that residents should bat-proof their homes, keep trash cans tightly sealed, and avoid leaving pet food or water outside, which can attract wildlife.

Health officials note that unusual behavior is often the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may appear aggressive or unusually tame, lose its fear of people, act irritable or excitable, or appear lethargic. Other possible signs include staggering or frothing at the mouth.  Residents should never approach or attempt to handle a wild or stray animal. Any animal behaving strangely should be reported to local authorities.

Keeping pets vaccinated against rabies is also essential. New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots.

For more information about rabies prevention, visit health.westchestercountyny.gov or call the Rabies Infoline at (914) 813-5010.

How to Stay Safe During Subzero Temperatures

An arctic front combined with near 50 mile per hour gusts of wind will blast Westchester County and the surrounding region with subzero temperatures this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon, with very low temperatures projected to persist through Monday morning. With the wind chill factor, daytime temperatures on Saturday could plummet to -12°, and are expected to dip further after dark. The forecast also calls for up to two inches of snow on Saturday.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related dangers.

Jenkins said: “Residents should limit time outdoors during extreme cold, dress in warm layers, keep pets indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives to be sure they have heat. If you must travel, place blankets and emergency supplies in your car before you leave, ensure electric vehicles are adequately charged, keep traditional vehicles fueled, and heat your home safely.”

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler emphasized the importance of preparation and awareness during extreme cold conditions.

Amler said: “Before heading outside during this dangerous cold spell, dress yourself and your children in a hat, wrap a scarf around your face or wear a face mask to protect skin, wear gloves, and multiple layers,” Amler said. “Check your tire pressure because it can drop in extreme cold, and if you must spend time outdoors, take frequent breaks to warm up inside. It’s critical to recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.”

Low temperatures can be life-threatening, especially for seniors, infants, and people at increased risk for hypothermia. Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include stumbling, mumbling, fumbling, shivering, slurred speech, and confusion. Infants with hypothermia may appear sluggish, have very low energy, and exhibit bright red, cold skin. If you think that someone is suffering from hypothermia or frostbite, call a medical provider immediately.

Those who are most vulnerable to hypothermia include elderly people with inadequate food, clothing or heating, babies sleeping in cold rooms and people who remain outdoors for long periods, as well as people with alcohol or substance use disorders.

Frostbite can occur quickly and without warning and most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Numbness may develop rapidly, causing individuals to remain outdoors longer than is safe and increasing the risk of permanent injury. Older adults and people with diabetes are especially susceptible due to impaired circulation.

At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, move the person out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning.  Seek immediate medical care. Signs of frostbite include white or grayish-yellow skin, numbness or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy. Victims are often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.

To avoid hypothermia and frostbite:

• Dress warmly in layers.
• Be aware of the wind chill factor.
• Work slowly when doing outside chores.
• Bring a buddy and an emergency kit to outdoor recreation.
• Carry a charged cell phone.

If power is lost:

• Report outages to your utility provider:
  • Con Edison: 1-800-75-CONED (752-6633)
  • NYSEG: 1-800-572-1131 (electric) or 1-800-572-1121 (gas)
• Leave a light on to signal when power is restored.
• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns instead of candles.
• Limit opening refrigerator and freezer doors.
• Never operate generators indoors or in garages, basements, porches, or sheds—even with doors or windows open.
• Camp stoves and portable grills are for outdoor use

Heat Your Home Safely:

• Never use ovens, gas stoves, or propane heaters to heat your home.
• Ensure fireplaces, wood stoves, and combustion heaters are properly vented outdoors.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for all heating equipment.
• Use only the fuel intended for each device.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from furniture, curtains, bedding, and water sources.
• Never cover a space heater or place it on furniture.
• Keep children and pets away from heating equipment.
• Never add fuel to a heater while it is hot.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, if available.

Eligible residents may receive financial help to heat their homes this winter. For information about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), call United Way’s 2-1-1 or the Westchester County Department of Social Services at (914) 995-3333. Eligibility information is also available at www.myBenefits.ny.gov, and applications can be found at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.

Westchester County’s Drop-in shelters are also used as warming centers during serious cold weather emergencies. https://socialservices.westchestergov.com/homeless-services

More advice is at: https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/ and https://health.westchestergov.com/winter-safety-tips  Follow the Health Department on Twitter @wchealthdept or on Facebook at Facebook.com/wchealthdept.

County Department of Health Supports Heart Disease Prevention Strategies

Westchester County and the Westchester County Department of Health are encouraging residents to participate in National Wear Red Day this Friday, February 6, to raise awareness about heart disease prevention strategies and American Heart Month, a program of the American Heart Association.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “We all have a heart, so let’s show some love this February. Wear red, but even more importantly, follow the Health Department’s advice to increase longevity and encourage your loved ones to do the same.”

The Westchester County Department of Health is encouraging residents to reduce their risk of heart disease – the leading cause of death for men and women – and improve their health through exercise, healthier eating and by avoiding tobacco products, including those that are vaped. To improve your health and reduce heart disease risk factors, avoid salt, tobacco and foods high in cholesterol, monitor your blood pressure, engage in regular physical activity, achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and treat and manage Type 2 diabetes. 

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “Try something new – take a brisk walk, try a vegetable you aren’t familiar with, and instead of reaching for the salt, experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor to food. Over time, these small, measurable changes can add up to a healthier heart. Invite supportive family and friends to join you on this journey.”

Here are some tips for a healthier heart:

• Move more– make time for 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
• Eat healthier to reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. Satisfy your hunger with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy and poultry, fish and unsalted nuts. Boost flavor with herbs, garlic, onions and spices instead of salt, butter or fat. Cut back on packaged foods and choose those that are low in sodium, salt, sugar and sweeteners. Limit sweets, red meat and sugary drinks to an occasional treat.

• Know your numbers – Be aware of your blood pressure reading, cholesterol count and lipid profile. Have these checked at an annual physical. If the results are higher than recommended, ask your doctor to suggest lifestyle changes that can help. Learn more about heart healthy numbers at www.westchestergov.com/health.
• Avoid tobacco products and do not vape to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Limit alcohol intake to avoid raising blood pressure levels, triglyceride levels that harden arteries and the risk for heart disease. Women should have no more than one drink a day, while men should stop at two.

Residents can check out a blood pressure monitor provided by the Westchester County Health Department at the Yonkers Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Center, and at the Grinton I. Will Library, 1500 Central Park Avenue, where medical students from Einstein College of Medicine visit to speak about heart health. The Theodore Young Community Center at 32 Manhattan Avenue, White Plains, offers blood pressure checks for program participants. Nurses offer free blood pressure checks through Lifting Up Westchester Community Central at Grace Church parish hall, 33 Church Street, White Plains.

For more health tips and heart health resources, go to www.westchestergov.com/health. The Westchester County Department of Health can be reached at (914) 813-5000.

How to Stay Safe During Subzero Temperatures

Dangerously cold temperatures will continue to plummet overnight in Westchester, with a cold weather advisory in effect through 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, and arctic subzero temperatures expected to linger.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related dangers.

Jenkins said: “Residents should limit time outdoors during extreme cold, dress in warm layers, keep pets indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives to be sure they have heat. If you must travel, place blankets and emergency supplies in your vehicle, ensure electric vehicles are adequately charged, keep traditional vehicles fueled, and heat your home safely.”

Jenkins said the County’s Department of Emergency Services and Department of Health are providing guidance to help residents handle the cold safely. For the latest on shelter availability, contact your local municipality. Libraries, municipal buildings and malls are also good places to warm up.

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler emphasized the importance of preparation and awareness during extreme cold conditions.

Amler said: “Before heading outside during this dangerous cold spell, dress yourself and your children in a hat, gloves and multiple layers. Check your tire pressure because it can drop in extreme cold, and if you must spend time outdoors, take frequent breaks to warm up inside. It’s critical to recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.”

Low temperatures can be life-threatening, especially for seniors, infants and people at increased risk for hypothermia. Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include stumbling, mumbling, fumbling, shivering, slurred speech and confusion. Infants with hypothermia may appear sluggish, have very low energy, and exhibit bright red, cold skin. If you think someone is suffering from hypothermia or frostbite, call a medical provider immediately.

Those who are most vulnerable to hypothermia include elderly people with inadequate food, clothing or heat, babies sleeping in cold rooms, people who remain outdoors for long periods of time, and those with alcohol or substance use disorders.

Frostbite can occur quickly and without warning, and most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Numbness may develop, increasing risk of permanent injury. Older adults and people with diabetes are especially susceptible due to impaired circulation.

At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, move the person out of the cold or protect any exposed skin as frostbite may be beginning. Seek immediate medical care. Signs of frostbite include white or grayish-yellow skin, numbness or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy. Victims are often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.

Tips to Avoid Hypothermia and Frostbite:

• Dress warmly in layers.
• Be aware of the wind chill factor.
• Work slowly when doing outside chores.
• Bring a buddy and an emergency kit to outdoor recreation.
• Carry a charged cell phone.

If Power is Lost:

• Report outages to your utility provider:
  • Con Edison: 1-800-75-CONED (752-6633)
  • NYSEG: 1-800-572-1131 (electric) or 1-800-572-1121 (gas)
• Leave a light on to signal when power is restored.
• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns instead of candles.
• Limit opening refrigerator and freezer doors.
• Never operate generators indoors or in garages, basements, porches, or sheds—even with doors or windows open.
• Camp stoves and portable grills are for outdoor use only.

Safe Heating Practices:

• Never use ovens, gas stoves, or propane heaters to heat your home.
• Ensure fireplaces, wood stoves, and combustion heaters are properly vented outdoors.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for all heating equipment.
• Use only the fuel intended for each device.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from furniture, curtains, bedding and water sources.
• Never cover a space heater or place it on furniture.
• Keep children and pets away from heating equipment.
• Never add fuel to a heater while it is hot.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, if available.

Eligible residents may receive financial help to heat their homes this winter. For information about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), call the Westchester County Department of Social Services at (914) 995-3333 or United Way’s 2-1-1. Eligibility information is also available at www.myBenefits.ny.gov, and applications can be found at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.

More advice is at: https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/ and https://health.westchestergov.com/winter-safety-tips  Follow the Health Department on Twitter @wchealthdept or on Facebook at Facebook.com/wchealthdept.