The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality advisory for New York City for Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The pollutant of concern is Ozone. Officials said active children and adults, and people with respiratory problems, such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.

 

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heat indices of 95 to 100 degrees F are likely on Saturday, and possible on Sunday between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. for much of New York City.

 

After a cool spring, NWS officials said there is an increased risk of heat-related illness for vulnerable populations with this, the first heat event of the season. Meanwhile, ocean and nearshore water temperatures are still in the 50s and 60s. They said physical incapacitation and hypothermia are likely in as little as 10 minutes if people fall into such water, greatly increasing the risk of drowning.

 

There is also a moderate to high risk of rip currents on Saturday and Sunday. Scattered thunderstorms late on Sunday afternoon and into Sunday evening are also forecast.

 

On Saturday, New York State issued a heat advisory alert that is in effect until 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. It warned of hot temperatures and high humidity that may cause heat illnesses to occur and potentially hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility. It instructed New York City residents to call 311 to identify cooling center locations and obtain `Beat the Heat` safety tips. (See further below for more information.)

 

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. 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. 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. Heat stroke
is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 911. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

 

For tips of how to beat the heat, click here.

 

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.

 

Keep 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.

 

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.