New Yorkers Urged to Prepare for Summer’s First Heat Wave

As New York City braces for its first heat wave of the season, city officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe. The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have announced the activation of the city’s Heat Emergency Plan in response to the National Weather Service’s forecast.

The heat wave, expected to begin on June 18, will see temperatures and heat indices potentially reaching 100°F. Extreme heat events are defined by the city as periods when the heat index is 100°F or higher for one or more days, or 95°F or higher for two or more consecutive days.

Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the seriousness of the heat wave, encouraging all New Yorkers to have a plan to beat the heat. “A heat wave can be more than just uncomfortable; it can be deadly if you are not prepared,” he stated. He urged residents to check on neighbors, particularly older adults, and to ensure that pets are kept hydrated.

Cooling centers will open on Tuesday morning and remain available through Thursday. The city’s revamped ‘Cool Options Map’ provides information on indoor air-conditioned places like libraries, malls, and museums where residents can escape the heat. The map is available at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters or by calling 311.

NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol advised limiting strenuous outdoor activity, staying hydrated, and wearing light clothing. Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan emphasized the importance of staying cool and hydrated, suggesting the use of air conditioning or visiting cooling centers. He also recommended checking on family, friends, and neighbors, especially those who are more vulnerable.

The city’s Department of Social Services has issued a Code Red Alert, ensuring shelter availability for anyone experiencing homelessness and heat-related discomfort. Outreach teams will focus on connecting vulnerable individuals to services and shelter.

With temperatures rising due to climate change, Elijah Hutchinson from the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice highlighted efforts to protect vulnerable populations through cooling buildings, planting trees, and reducing utility costs.

Residents are reminded of the dangers of improper fire hydrant use, which can waste water and reduce fire-fighting capabilities. Instead, residents can obtain spray caps from local firehouses to safely enjoy the cooling benefits of hydrants.

Con Edison has invested over $2 billion in the electric delivery system to ensure reliable service during peak summer demand. The company advises setting air conditioners to 78°F and running major appliances during cooler parts of the day to conserve energy.

For further information and heat-related tips, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. Residents can also sign up for Notify NYC for emergency alerts and updates in multiple languages by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or calling 311.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT

• Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events.
• Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
• 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.
• Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty (avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine), rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams. Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Participate in activities to keep cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and cannot fall on someone below.
• Never leave a child or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

• Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:
• Hot dry skin
• Trouble breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• 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.

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not 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, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fire safely and quickly.

Use “spray caps” to 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.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death:

• Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”
• Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.
• Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.
• Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.
• If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.
• Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.

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