Heat Advisory in New York

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene urge New Yorkers to take precautions during the hot weather expected Wednesday, August 10 through Saturday, August 13.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect from 2:00 PM Wednesday through 8:00 PM on Thursday. The heat index is forecast to be in the mid-90s on Wednesday afternoon and the upper 90s Thursday afternoon. 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 on Wednesday and Thursday.

“The warm temperatures expected this week will be especially dangerous to vulnerable New Yorkers, so check in on older neighbors and friends with underlying medical conditions,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “To stay cool, make sure you use air conditioning or visit a cooling center, and drink lots of water.”

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 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.

NYC Emergency Management continues to monitor the weather and encourages New Yorkers to take the following steps to beat the heat this week:

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.