ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York conservation officials are looking for some help sampling the quality of water in streams and rivers in the Hudson River watershed.          

The Department of Environmental Conservation is inviting volunteers to sign up for training as "citizen monitors" to check waterways in the region.          

That includes the lower and upper Hudson and the Mohawk River watersheds.          

The volunteers will go out from July through September to collect certain insects and other small creatures from stream bottoms and save samples to be assessed by experts.          

The goal is to find waterways that might be compromised so they can be studied and restored.          

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) issued updated advisories for the consumption of fish from water bodies in New York State Friday.

According to a statement, the advisories are included in the booklet, “Health Advice on Eating Sportfish and Game.” This booklet is updated annually using data from a sampling of fish from New York waters and the advice should be used as a health reference guide for anglers and their families.

“Fishing is a great recreational activity that has long been a part of the outdoor tradition in New York State, but it is important that people are aware of the health advisories for consuming certain types of fish,” said State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H., in a statement. “By following New York State’s fish consumption advisories New Yorkers will avoid potential health risks, and fish can continue to be eaten as part of a healthy and nutritious diet.”

Below is information that is new this year:

ALBANY - In light of the recent severe thunderstorm and tornado watches, the American Red Cross is reminding people to remain safe in inclement weather.

Before Lightning Strikes: Keep yours eyes on the sky, and remember if you can hear thunder you are clos eenough to be struck by lighting. Stay or go indoors immediately.

When A Storm Approaches: Find shelter in a building or a car, keep windows cosed and avoid convertibles. Remember telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.

If Caught Outside: Go to a low lying , open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not flooding and make yourself the smallest target possible.  If you are boasting or swimming get to land and find shelter immediately.

If Someone Is Struck By Lightning: They carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. Call 911 or your local EMS number, give first aid, if the heart has stopped beating, administer CPR.