Albany County Department of Health

07/15/2026

⚠️Air Quality Alert⚠️

The air quality today is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

The Albany County Department of Health wants you to know:

Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung problems, older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant women, minority populations, and people who work outside.

Guidance for Sensitive Groups
• Keep outdoor activities shorter and not as hard.
• It is okay to be active outside, but take more breaks.
• Watch for signs like coughing, trouble breathing, or feeling very tired.

People with Asthma
• Follow your asthma action plan.
• Keep your quick-relief medicine with you.

People with Heart Disease
• Watch for signs like a fast or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, or unusual tiredness.
• Call your health care provider if you notice these symptoms.

07/13/2026

An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect in Albany County. Be prepared for hot weather!

The Albany County Department of Health would like you to follow these steps to stay safe and cool!

Safety Tips
• Stay inside with air-conditioning when you can. If you don't have air-conditioning at home, find Cooling Stations/Centers near you. https://www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/health/cooling-stations
• Drink lots of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Try not to be outside from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
• Never leave kids or pets in a car.
• Wear light-colored, loose clothing if you must go outside.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who might need help staying cool.

Signs of Heat Illness
Watch out for signs of heat illness so you can get help right away before the heat makes you very sick.
• Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, feeling weak, dizzy, sick to your stomach, or having a headache.
• Heat stroke: hot, dry skin, confusion, or passing out. This is an emergency. Call 911 right away.

07/09/2026

Today will be Very Hot. ❗

The Albany County Department of Health recommends:

• Drinking lots of water, even if you are not thirsty.
• Resting in shade often when you are outside.
• Watching for signs that the heat is making you feel sick; like dizziness, headaches, or feeling very tired.
• Staying inside with air conditioning as much as possible.

To find cooling centers in Albany County, please visit: https://www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/health/cooling-stations

Stay Safe! Stay Cool!

07/07/2026

07/01/2026

A Heat Wave is happening in Albany County❗
The Albany County Department of Health would like you to take steps to stay safe and cool.

Safety Tips
• Stay inside with air-conditioning when you can. If you don't have air conditioning at home, find Cooling Stations/Centers near you. https://www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/health/cooling-stations
• Drink lots of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Try not to be outside from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
• Never leave kids or pets in a car.
• Wear light-colored, loose clothing if you must go outside.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who might need help staying cool.

Signs of Heat Illness
Watch out for signs of heat illness so you can get help right away before the heat makes you very sick.
•Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, feeling weak, dizzy, sick to your stomach, or having a headache.
•Heat stroke: hot, dry skin, confusion, or passing out. This is an emergency. Call 911 right away.

01/09/2026

The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society is calling a Code Blue alert for tonight Friday 1/9 through Sunday 1/11, with real feel temps reaching the low 20s.

What is Code Blue? Code Blue (CB) is a low-demand, humanitarian cold weather program designed to reduce barriers for homeless people seeking shelter. It is called when the RealFeel temperature is expected to be 32 degrees or less, including wind chill.

Homeless residents of Albany County in need of shelter can go to:
• Capital City Rescue Mission at 259 South Pearl Street
• Safe Haven Drop-in Center at 26 South Swan Street

People in need of shelter can also call the HATAS Homeless Hotline at 518-463-2124.

Joseph’s House Outreach Services offers emergency provisions and shelter navigation for unsheltered residents during Code Blue. Call 518-495-0663 if you or someone you know is in need.

09/30/2025

We ALL have an important role to play in school zone safety. 🚌🚸

Drivers — stay alert and watch for students.

Parents — teach kids to follow basic safety rules while walking or riding to school.

09/30/2025

Pedestrians accounted for 18% of all traffic deaths in 2023.

Stick to a road safety plan:
🚶‍➡️ Follow the rules of the road
🚶‍➡️ Walk on sidewalks when you can
🚶‍➡️ Use crosswalks when available

Drivers — stay vigilant and watch for pedestrians!