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WITH PROLONGED HEAT CONTINUING INTO THE WEEK NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE URGE NEW YORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO STAY COOL
Excessive Heat Warning in effect through Monday morning
Cooling centers remain open through Wednesday 7/4. To find the nearest cooling center call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/beattheheat
Parks department will extend daily NYC pool hours to 8 p.m. through Tuesday 7/3 for Olympic and Intermediate pools
July 1, 2018 – With high heat and humidity continuing to affect New York City into the week, the New York City Emergency Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are urging New Yorkers to continue to take steps to beat the heat. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for New York City in effect through 6 a.m. Monday, 7/2. An Excessive Heat Watch for New York City will be in effect from 6 a.m. through 9 p.m. Monday 7/2. According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, temperatures today are in the upper 90s, with heat index values in excess of 100 degrees. Temperatures are forecast in the mid to upper 90s through Wednesday, with heat index values in the mid to upper 90s.
An Excessive Heat Warning is issued when a combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater. New Yorkers should use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. New York City cooling centers will remain open throughout the five boroughs through Wednesday, July 4. Cooling centers are air-conditioned facilities such as libraries, community centers, senior centers, and NYCHA facilities that are open to the public during heat emergencies. 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 NYC Cooling Center Finder at www.nyc.gov/beattheheat. “The hot weather will continue into the week and we urge people to keep safe,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “Drink plenty of water, use air conditioning or go to an air-conditioned place, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the periods of intense heat.”
“Hot and humid weather like what we’re experiencing this weekend can cause heat illness, and even death,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “If you have air conditioning and you have not used it up until now, now is the time to turn it on. Setting it to “low” or 78 degrees Fahrenheit will keep you cool and keep your bills in check. For those without air conditioning, especially older adults and people with chronic health conditions, we urge you to seek an air-conditioned place in your neighborhood or go to a NYC Cooling Center. As always, we urge New Yorkers to Be A Buddy and check on your neighbors, family and friends who may be at greater risk for heat illness and make sure they are safe and cool.”
Extreme heat is defined by temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region, last for prolonged periods, and are accompanied by high humidity. The New York City Emergency Management Department urges New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. Those at increased risk are people who do not have or use air conditioning AND:
- Are 65 years or older;
- Have chronic medical, mental health, or cognitive/developmental conditions;
- Take certain medications, which can disrupt the regulation of body temperature;
- Are confined to their beds, have limited mobility, or are unable to leave their homes;
- Are obese; or
- Misuse alcohol or drugs.
CHECK ON THOSE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT:
- 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. Encourage at-risk New Yorkers to use air conditioning. Help them get to an air-conditioned place, even if for a few hours, if they cannot stay cool at home. Make sure they are drinking plenty of water.
- Get to know your neighbors. During extreme heat, call or visit at-risk neighbors, friends and family, such as older adultsand anyone with a pre-existing medical condition. This small but crucial gesture can help ensure that we all have a safe and healthy summer.
- During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert, initiating enhanced outreach efforts. During Code Red periods, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless. Homeless individuals experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access the designated cooling area at any shelter; and transportation to cooling centers is available via DSS outreach teams, who are out 24/7/365, checking on and engaging vulnerable clients with greater frequency.
- The Parks department is extending general swim hours to 8 p.m. at all outdoor Olympic and Intermediate pools beginning through Tuesday 7/3. City beaches are open and will operate on a normal schedule from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Parks has more than 600 spray showers, which will remain available until sundown, or later if actively in use by the public. Free SPF 30 sunscreen is available at all City pools and beaches.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT:
- Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- 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 consult their physician.
- Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine.
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- 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.
- If possible, go to an air-conditioned location for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.
- Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
- Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, shopping at a mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
- Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above) and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
- Never leave your children or pets in the car.
FACTS ABOUT HEAT ILLNESS:
Heat illness is serious. Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. The added stress caused by heat can also aggravate heart or lung disease even without symptoms of heat illness.
Know the warning signs of heat stress. 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.
Call 911 immediately if you have, or someone you know has:
- Hot dry skin.
- Trouble breathing.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE
- Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
- Exercise early and late: When the temperature is very high, don’t 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, stupor, or even collapse. Animals with flat faces like pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. They should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
- Keep cats safe by installing screens in your windows: Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, as they can fall out of them often during summer months.
IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE:
The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and can lower water pressure to dangerous levels and hamper the ability of FDNY to fight fire safely and quickly.
Properly used “spray caps” 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.
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