06/21/2024
NYC has activated the Heat Emergency Plan
NYC Emergency Management and NYC Department of Health offer New Yorkers tips and resources to weather summer's first heat wave
https://finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/
The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department are advising residents of New York City to be prepared for high temperatures this week, and expected heat waves this summer. Residents are urged to take precautions to safeguard themselves and assist others who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
In NYC, an extreme heat event is characterized by a heat index of 100°F or more for at least one day or 95°F or higher over two or more consecutive days.
This year, New York City has released a revamped Cool Options Map to help residents quickly find cooling centers and other air-conditioned places like libraries, malls, and museums during heat emergencies. Additionally, a comprehensive citywide map detailing outdoor cooling options, such as spray showers and drinking fountains, is available online at Cool It! NYC.
For detailed information, including health tips to cope with the heat and signs of heat-related illnesses, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat.
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.
