Photo by Luis Graterol on Unsplash
NYC Emergency Management (EMS) and the NYC health department (DOH) are reminding New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat as the current heatwave continues into the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised that a heat advisory is in effect until Sunday, June 23, at 8 p.m. Hot and humid conditions are in the forecast throughout the weekend, with heat index values in the upper 90s to 101 across the city.
“New Yorkers, as we brace for high temperatures this weekend let’s prioritize safety by staying hydrated, staying indoors during peak heat, and looking out for one another,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This year, we have expanded the number of cooling centers available to the public and I encourage anyone looking for a place to beat the heat to take advantage of them or visit one of our city’s beaches. To find your local cooling center, visit our “Cool Options” map at finder.nyc.gov/
Slide courtesy of the National Weather Service New York Office
City officials also said its cooling assistance program also helps eligible New Yorkers afford air conditioning and fans during the hot summer months by covering costs of up to $1,000 for new units or repairs to existing units. They said many New Yorkers don’t realize they qualify, and are encouraging residents to check their eligibility now and apply today.
NWS officials said scattered showers and thunderstorms will also be possible each afternoon and evening through early next week. They said these may bring localized heavy downpours and gusty winds, but flooding is not anticipated in New York City at this time. In addition, they said there is an Air Quality Health Advisory in effect until 11 p.m. Friday, June 21, for ground-level ozone pollution. Finally, beachgoers are urged to exercise caution at Atlantic-facing beaches this weekend due to a high risk of life-threatening rip currents.
Slide courtesy of the National Weather Service New York Office
EMS and DOH 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.
“As the summer is officially underway and bringing in high heat, I urge all New Yorkers to take precautions,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Limit strenuous outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing. Beat the heat by turning on your air conditioner or visiting a Cooling Center. New Yorkers can also stay cool by visiting a museum, house of worship, movie theater, publicly-accessible atriums and lobbies, or other cool spaces. High heat can be dangerous, look out for another, especially older adults, children, and anyone with chronic health conditions. Learn the signs of heat stroke.”
Slide courtesy of the National Weather Service New York Office
For his part, Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said heat is dangerous but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect people’s health. “So, remember to stay hydrated, stay cool, listen to your body and watch out for signs of heat stroke,” he said. “Last but not least check in on vulnerable individuals, especially older, relatives, neighbors and friends, as well as those with chronic and mental health conditions.”
To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, City officials said New York City cooling centers will continue to remain open throughout the five boroughs. Senior Centers/Older Adult Centers will be open to all ages this weekend. They said 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 Cool Options Map.
Slide courtesy of the National Weather Service New York Office
They said New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers. They said this year’s newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.
Meanwhile, Schools Chancellor David C. Banks said, “As always, our schools stand ready to assist the city in any emergency. I am deeply appreciative of our incredible facilities staff and School Safety Agents who will be on hand to open the schools and ensure they are prepared to welcome back students on Monday.”
Slide courtesy of the National Weather Service New York Office
City officials said New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more, adding that these resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. They said many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. They said State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park and its pool are open, and all sprinkler systems are operating at all state parks in New York City.
During extreme heat, City officials said NYC 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. They said DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 and redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness to services and shelter.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT
- Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events.
- 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 not thirsty (avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine), rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams. Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Participate in activities to keep cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, 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, window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and cannot fall on someone below.
- Never leave a child or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Slide courtesy of the National Weather Service New York Office
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. [If the pavement is too hot for the palm of your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.]
- 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.
IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE
City officials reminds New Yorkers 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.
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.
Slide courtesy of the National Weather Service New York Office
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 also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, ca
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Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.
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