Heat Advisory In New York

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene today advised that dangerously hot weather is forecast for Friday and Saturday.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory in effect from noon Friday through 7:00 PM Saturday, with temperatures expected to reach the high 90’s.

New Yorkers should take precautions to prevent serious illness from extreme heat, especially among vulnerable individuals such as seniors and those with chronic medical conditions. New Yorkers should use air conditioning to stay cool, go to a place that has air conditioning if it is not available at home, drink water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

To help New Yorkers beat the heat, New York City will open cooling centers throughout the five boroughs Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23. To find the nearest cooling center – including accessible facilities – call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit NYC Emergency Management’s Cooling Center Finder at www.nyc.gov/beattheheat. The Cooling Center Finder will be updated with information about sites for Friday and Saturday beginning at 8:00 PM tonight. 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.

“Extreme heat affects people of all ages, but some New Yorkers are more vulnerable than others, especially the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions,” said New York City Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “Stay safe by staying cool – use air conditioning, drink lots of water, and check in on friends and family.”

HELPING NEW YORKERS TO BEAT THE HEAT:

The Department of Homeless Services has issued a Code Red Alert and has enhanced outreach. Single adults can present to any shelter to seek refuge from the heat. Transportation is also available to cooling centers via DHS outreach teams, which are checking on vulnerable, at-risk clients with greater frequency.
The Department for the Aging will open senior centers as cooling centers, and home care agencies are on the lookout for clients who may need assistance. Case management agencies are also calling to check on home-bound seniors.
· The Fire Department has hydrant spray caps available for any adult 18 years or older at a fire house upon request.

· NYC Water-on-the-Go fountains are available across all five boroughs. Schedules can be found here.

An Excavation Safety Alert has been issued for Friday July 22, 2016 until Tuesday, July 26, at 11:59 PM. Contractors are strongly encouraged to implement enhanced protective measures before digging.

NYC Emergency Management continues to monitor the weather and encourages New Yorkers to take the following steps to beat the heat throughout the summer months:

CHECK ON THOSE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT:

A small but crucial gesture can help ensure that we all have a safe and healthy summer: Get to know your neighbors, and contact neighbors and relatives – in person or by phone – at least twice a day during heat waves.
Pay special attention to the elderly, the very young and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition. New Yorkers should check in on older neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.
Air conditioning is the best way to keep cool when it is hot outside, but some people do not have an air conditioner or do not turn it on when they need it. Encourage them to use air conditioning. Help them get to an air-conditioned place if they cannot stay cool at home. Make sure they are drinking enough water.

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: 11:00 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.

· If possible, go to an air-conditioned building 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.

For more information on coping with the heat, visit: www.nyc.gov/beattheheat.