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NYC COOLING CENTERS OPEN THROUGH TUESDAY TO HELP NEW YORKERS BEAT THE HEAT
Heat Advisory extended through Tuesday, August 7
Cooling centers will be open across the city through Tuesday. To find the nearest location call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/beattheheat
Parks department has extended daily NYC pool hours to 8 p.m. on Monday, August 6 and Tuesday, August 7
August 6, 2018– As the heat wave continues to affect New York City, the New York City Emergency Management Department today announced that cooling centers will remain open through Tuesday, August 7. 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 National Weather Service has extended the heat advisory for New York City through 8 p.m. Tuesday. High heat and humidity are in the forecast, with high temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s and heat index values ranging from 95 – 100 degrees.
“It’s important that New Yorkers take the dangers presented by extreme heat seriously,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “Drink plenty of water and stay cool either at your air-conditioned home or one of our hundreds of cooling centers.”
An Air Quality Health Advisory is also in effect from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. Monday. An Air Quality Health Advisory issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation means that 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.
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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