With a heat wave forecasted for the next several days, Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter is reminding residents of the following common-sense safety tips during extreme heat conditions

• Seek out air-conditioned spaces, if possible, if homes become too warm.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Avoid wearing dark colors as they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

High temperatures can also lead to higher energy use, resulting in higher electric bills. To help save energy and money this summer, PSEG Long Island recommends the following tips for customers:

• Do not cool an empty house. Set your thermostat higher when you are away or use a smart thermostat to control the temperature in your home. Customers can receive an incentive on qualifying thermostats for enrolling in PSEG Long Island’s Smart Savers Thermostat program, which can be used to control usage during peak summer days. Visit https://www.psegliny.com/efficiency for more details.
• Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with caulk or weather-stripping.
• Replace air filters monthly. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder.
• Operate appliances in the morning or evening when it is cooler outside.
• Set refrigerators and freezers to the most efficient temperatures
• Replace old appliances with new, energy efficient ENERGY STAR® appliances
• Close blinds and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
• Ceiling fans cool fast and cost less than air conditioning. (In hot weather, set your ceiling fan to spin quickly, counterclockwise to push air downward toward the floor.)