The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory which will be in effect from 3:23 a.m. until Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. NWS officials said heat index values indicate that temperatures  in the lower 100s are possible in The Bronx and in all of New York City, with high humidity forecast which may cause heat related illnesses to occur.

 

New York City residents are advised to call 311 to identify cooling center locations and obtain “Beat the Heat” safety tips. NWS officials said a heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

 

They said, “Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning.”

 

They added, “Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.” They also reminded residents that heat stroke is an emergency, and in cases of heat stroke to call 911.

 

To help New Yorkers beat the heat, cooling centers are open throughout the five boroughs. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder. Prevailing COVID regulations apply.

 

How Hot Is It? Have you ever wondered how hot your neighborhood is compared to the rest of the City? Check out our map of relative summer temperatures averaged over the last five years. pic.twitter.com/4OhiRvsJJf

— Sci4NY (@Sci4NY) July 13, 2022

 

NYCHA officials said in the context of the most recent heatwave that it has 26 generators on hand as a contingency measure for power outages during heat events. In addition to these generators, they said the agency had prepped a range of available equipment, including one light tower, a command bus, an emergency response truck, and a non-potable water truck.

 

According to NYCHA, officials have also trained elevator staff in preparation for possible power outages, and hold ongoing bi-weekly meetings to disseminate Safe NYCHA advisory information. For more information, visit on.nyc.gov/extreme-heat.

 

In New York City, according to EMS, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Officials say air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner. City officials are urging New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. For more information, including heat-related health tips and warning signs of heat illness, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat.

 

It’s going to be a hot week in NYC. Take steps to stay safe & #beattheheat:

✅Keep cool and hydrated.
✅Find your nearest cooling center: call @nyc311 or visit https://t.co/9PRlDTeUgY 
✅Be a buddy and check on your neighbors.
✅Stay informed and sign up for @NotifyNYC alerts. pic.twitter.com/9MUQVnU3m9

— NYC Emergency Management Commissioner (@NYCEMCommish) July 19, 2022

 

Meanwhile, New York City’s public outdoor pools are open on a limited basis due to an ongoing lifeguard shortage, as reported. Bring a bathing suit, towel, and lock to secure belongings. More information on pool opening hours, etc. can be found at nyc.gov/parks/pools. A citywide map of outdoor cooling options (including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more) can be found online at Cool It! NYC.

 

During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a code red alert. During code reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area. Transportation to cooling centers is available via DSS outreach teams who engage with potentially homeless individuals every day of the year and intensify engagement during extreme heat.

NYC will experience extreme heat tomorrow. The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) has issued a #CodeRed Alert, initiating enhanced outreach efforts. Outreach teams will help DHS clients access cooling centers.

Visit https://t.co/gu0XhQkVxK to find one near you. pic.twitter.com/VY7rBcEOPn

— Homeless Services (@NYCDHS) July 18, 2022

 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT

• Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if you are not thirsty, rest in the shade, and watch out for others on your team. Your employer is required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when inside without air conditioning or outside.
• Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first speak with their doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
• Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, and window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and do not fall on someone below. Window guards can prevent children from falling out of a window and suffering serious injuries or even death. Screens keep mosquitoes that can spread West Nile Virus out of your home and keep cats from falling out of windows.

• Never leave your children or pets in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.

 

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS 

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:

• hot dry skin.
• trouble breathing.
• rapid heartbeat.
• confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.
• nausea and vomiting.

If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

 

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
• Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.
• Test the temperature of the pavement with the palm of your hand before taking your pets for a walk to ensure it will not burn their paws. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.  

 

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fires safely and quickly.

Use “spray caps” to reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.

 

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death.

 

• Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”
• Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.
• Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.
• Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.
• If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.
• Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.

 

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.