The Hudson Valley is heating up, which means heat-related calls have Empress EMS busy.

"From 2019 to know we've seen 59% increase in heat-related emergencies," said Deputy Chief Walt McCabe, assistant director of operations for Empress EMS.

McCabe said a heat emergency can come on in a matter of minutes.

He said you should watch for the three stages of a heat emergency, which usually start with heat cramps in the legs and abdomen.

"That's really the first sign that something could be wrong," said McCabe.

The next stage is heat exhaustion. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness and fainting.

The person should be moved to shade or an air-conditioned room and offer sips of cool water.

The next and most dangerous stage is heat stroke. "Maybe they are hallucinating, and one of the hallmarks of heat stroke is they stop sweating," said McCabe.

You should call 911 immediately.

The most vulnerable populations for heat illness are pregnant women, babies, people over 65 years old and people with chronic illness.

McCabe said hydration is your best defense.

"You should be drinking water on hot days even if you’re not thirsty, because once you are already starting to experience thirst, you are already on the road to dehydration," said McCabe.

Cooling Centers in Hudson Valley:

Yonkers Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Center Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Yonkers Will Library, 1500 Central Park Ave Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Crestwood Library, 16 Thompson St. Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Peekskill Neighborhood Center, 4 Nelson Ave Thursday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m Friday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m

Peekskill Library is also open normal hours and is air conditioned.