NYC Emergency Management and NYC Department of Health Urge New Yorkers to Prepare for Summer’s First Heat Wave

New York: New Yorkers are urged to take precautions as high heat is expected in New York City starting today, June 18, 2024. The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued this warning, citing the National Weather Service forecast for the first heat wave of the season. New York City defines extreme heat events as periods when the heat index is 100°F or higher for one or more days, or 95°F or higher for two or more consecutive days. 

“The first heat wave of the season is here, and New York City has a plan to beat the heat — but we want all New Yorkers to have a plan as well,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “A heat wave can be more than just uncomfortable, it can be deadly and life threatening if you are not prepared. I encourage all New Yorkers to have a plan to beat the heat and make sure to check in on your neighbors, especially your older adult neighbors, to drink water, and to keep pets hydrated. This year, we have expanded the number of cooling centers available to the public, and they will be open Tuesday morning through Thursday for New Yorkers to keep cool. To find your local cooling center, visit our “cool options” map at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters or by calling 311.”

“New Yorkers should prepare for really hot weather this week, with heat indices possibly nearing 100 degrees,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Encourage the people in your life to beat the heat by limiting strenuous outdoor activity, staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, turning on the air conditioning, heading to the pool or beach, or spending time at your local library, museum, or coffee shop. Learn the signs of heat stroke. Spread the word that that heat is not just a discomfort – it’s life-threatening.”

“It is essential to stay cool during hot weather – use air conditioning or go to a cool place where you feel comfortable,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “And remember to stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks — even when you don’t feel thirsty — and minimize caffeine and avoid alcohol. Also be a buddy. Take care of one another by checking in on family, friends and neighbors — especially older adults — to make sure they have a plan to keep cool and beat the heat.”

High heat is a silent killer, posing a disproportionate threat to our most vulnerable residents: adults aged 60 and older, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or cognitive impairment. 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. People without air conditioning should identify their Cool Options, which are indoor air-conditioned places open to the public like libraries, malls, and museums.

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: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM.
• 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.

  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.

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 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.