Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Park Surfaces Top 171 Degrees!

2010_06_temp.jpg
171.6 Degrees. Booker T. Washington Playground, Artificial Turf Field -  Manhattan. July 6, 2010 - 11:46 am. Park Heat Advisory As Park Surface Temperatures Reach Over 170˚. (Photo: © Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates) 

Press Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

July 7, 2010 

Media Contact:
 
Geoffrey Croft
NYC Park Advocates
(212) 987-0565

Park Heat Advisory As Park Surface Temperatures Reach Record Highs •
 Artificial Turf Fields Top Over 170 Degrees

(July 7, 2010 - Manhattan) Surface temperatures taken at a dozen city parks yesterday reached more than 170 degrees, according to readings taken by NYC Park Advocates. Artificial turf fields came in at over 170 degrees, (image below) the highest temperature recorded in three years of monitoring.   Temperatures on black rubber playground safety surfacing were recorded at over 160 degrees. By 9:15 am temperatures on artificial turf fields had reached over 140 degrees. All the temperature reading were taken before 12:00pm. Park users are advised to exercise extreme precautions in our city's playgrounds and artificial turf playing fields during this hot weather. 

Young children are particularly susceptible as it can take only two seconds to burn on solid surfaces greater than 140 degrees, according to doctors. Each year more than a dozen children are treated in the City's three burn centers for injuries suffered on playground safety surfacing. 

Today temperatures are expected to reach similar highs. 

Precautions must be taken by the public in order to avoid certain health risks. Exposure to playground safety surfacing can lead to severe burns and blisters. Exposure to artificial turf can lead to blisters, dehydration, nausea, and heat stroke, which can lead to death.

With the temperature expected to reach triple digits across the City again today, NYC Park Advocates offers the following tips:  

1. Avoid playgrounds with black safety surfacing, unless they have complete shade coverage.

2. Avoid metal surfaces like slides. 

3. Avoid artificial turf fields in the sun.

4. Drink lots of liquids. 

5. Use spray showers, pools and water features.

6. Seek shade.

7. Participate in non-strenuous activities.

In case of emergencies, seek immediate medical treatment, or call 911.


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Read More:

WCBS-TV - July 7, 2010 -  By Kirstin Cole

WCBS NEWSRADIO 880 - July 7,  2010 - By  Peter  Haskell

WCBS NEWSRADIO 880 - July 8, 2010 - By  Peter  Haskell 

1010WINS - July 7, 2010 

The Gothamist - July 7, 2010 - Jen Carson







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