The City’s emergency management (EMS) and health departments issued a warning to New Yorkers on Monday, July 5, to take precautions to beat the heat as temperatures are expected to rise dramatically from Tuesday, July 6, until Wednesday, July 7. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory which will be in effect in the City from 11 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. High heat and humidity are in the forecast for Tuesday, with heat index values ranging from 95 to 102 across the City.

 

Heat indices in the middle to upper 90s are also anticipated on Wednesday. To help New Yorkers beat the heat, cooling centers will be open throughout the five boroughs beginning Tuesday. Residents are reminded that 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.

 

The finder was activated at 9 p.m. on July 5. New York City opens cooling centers when the heat index is forecast to be 95 degrees or above for two or more consecutive days, or if the heat index is forecast to be 100 degrees or above for any amount of time.

 

NYC Emergency Management commissioner, John Scrivani, encouraged New Yorkers to take every necessary precaution to stay cool. “Use air-conditioning or go to one of the City’s cooling centers to beat the heat, and stay out of the sun as much as possible,” he said. “With the help of our agency partners, elected officials and community organizations, the City has opened cooling centers if you don’t have an air conditioner at home. We encourage all New Yorkers to call 311 to find the cooling center nearest to them.”

 

In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. 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. Both EMS and the health department urge 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.

 

Meanwhile, Health commissioner, Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, said heat can be dangerous, especially for New Yorkers with certain health conditions. “I urge all New Yorkers to stay inside air conditioned spaces as much as possible. If you don’t have air conditioning, seek relief at a City cooling center,” he said.

 

New York City’s outdoor pools reopened for the summer on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Pool goers are reminded that face coverings are now required to enter the facility, and standard pool protocols apply—bring a bathing suit, towel, and lock to secure belongings. Pool hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. More information 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.

 

To prepare for future hot weather, eligible New Yorkers can also obtain free air conditioners, including installation, through the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found here or by calling 311 and asking about the cooling assistance benefit.

 

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 the 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 City also advised that 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 fire safely and quickly.

The encourage New Yorkers to use “spray caps” instead 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

City officials said 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 power usage may seem inconvenient, officials said the cooperation of all New Yorkers will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to everyone, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or those at risk of heat-related illness and death. Officials recommend the following:

• 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.

 

Norwood News previously reported how many New Yorkers recently voiced their opinion on energy conservation on Twitter during the most recent head wave, saying they felt that the City should shut down Times Square if it really wanted to conserve energy on a large scale.

 

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.