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NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADVISE NEW YORKERS TO BEAT THE HEAT
Heat Advisory in effect for New York City Monday and Tuesday
Cooling centers are open across the city on Monday and Tuesday. To find the nearest location call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/beattheheat
July 16, 2018 – The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department today advised New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather has issued a heat advisory in effect for New York City from 12 p.m. Monday through 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 17. High heat and humidity are in the forecast, with heat index values in the mid to upper 90s. An Air Quality Alert is also in effect through 11 p.m. Monday. This means individuals should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease are at an increased risk, and should consider consulting their personal physician if they experience heat-related symptoms.
“Stay cool and hydrated to beat the heat,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “Use air conditioning or visit a cooling center, drink lots of water, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.”
“During extreme heat, air conditioning can save lives. Check on older neighbors, friends and family who may not have air conditioning, and help them get to a cool place,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett.
To help New Yorkers beat the heat, New York City cooling centers are open throughout the five boroughs today and Tuesday, July 17. 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 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.
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.
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