Starting this Tuesday, the start of recording what could be the most “hellish” temperatures for New York City residents in the last 30 years is announced. The call from local authorities is not to underestimate minimum safety measures, because these extreme heat events, which could exceed 100 °F, can be fatal.
The number of cooling centers available to the public has expanded this year, and will be open Tuesday morning through Thursday for New Yorkers to stay cool.
To find your local cooling center, visit the cool options map at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters or by calling 311.
New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol on Monday encouraged people to beat the heat by limiting strenuous outdoor activities, staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, turning on the air conditioning, going to the pool or beach, or spending time at the local library, museum or coffee shop.
“Know the signs of heat stroke. Spread the word that it is not just a nuisance, but life-threatening,” said Iscol.
Calls for prevention become more urgent for the most vulnerable people.
As the City explains in a statement: High temperatures are a silent killer and pose a disproportionate threat to our adults ages 60 and older, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, mental health issues, or impairment. cognitive.
“Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy in situations like these, but some people at risk for heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner,” the alerts highlight.
Additionally, as indicated by the New York State Department of Health, certain medications can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, so people should also consult their doctor or pharmacist for more information about drugs that may make them sensitive. in the sun or heat.
For information about long-term care services and supports for older adults and caregivers, visit NY Connects or call 1-800-342-9871.
Let’s take care of ourselves
People without air conditioning should identify their Cool Options, which are air-conditioned places open to the public, such as libraries, shopping centers and museums.
For his part, New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan reminded New Yorkers to stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks, even when they are not thirsty, minimize caffeine and avoid alcohol.
“Take care of each other by consulting family, friends and neighbors, especially older adults, to make sure they have a plan to stay cool and beat the heat,” highlighted the City’s top doctor.
The NYC Aging network of cooling centers will remain open as a respite from the dangerous conditions outside.
Red alert
New York City defines “extreme heat” events as periods in which the heat index is 90°F or higher for one or more days, or 95°F or higher for two or more consecutive days.
This climatic “vapor” coincides with the official start of summer, which arrives at 4:50 pm this Thursday, June 20.
These waves of sweltering temperatures are the leading cause of climate-related deaths in the United States, and these deaths have steadily increased in the Big Apple over the past decade.
During these alerts, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert indicating that shelters are available for any homeless person, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort can also access a designated cooling area. .
This city agency’s DSS staff and contracted, nonprofit outreach teams engage with homeless individuals 24/7/365 and redouble their efforts during the extreme heat.
Alert throughout NY
The heat is expected to peak across the state on Thursday, with day and night temperatures 5 to 15 degrees above normal.
Unusual temperatures have already been reported in the Genesee Valley and Finger Lakes since Monday. A combination of high 90s and high humidity is predicted for the next several days in the Capital Region and central, western and northern New York.
This weather event could bring historic, successive days of extreme heat to the entire I-90 corridor.
New Yorkers should keep an eye on local weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information.
The state government suggests that for a complete list of the latest watches, warnings, advisories and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.
Governor Kathy Hochul has activated 50 members of the National Guard to provide assistance as needed.
You can save energy
During periods of heavy electricity use, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical interruptions.
While decreasing your energy consumption may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help ensure that utility providers can provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electrical medical equipment or who are at risk of suffering from heat-related illness or death.
It is recommended to set your air conditioning at 78°F or “low” and turn on appliances such as ovens, washers, dryers, and dishwashers early in the morning or late at night, when it is cooler outside, to reduce heat and humidity in your home.
It is also advisable to close the doors, to keep cold air in and hot air out when the air conditioning is running. Turn off these equipment, lights and other appliances when you are not at home.
It is very important that you inform your utility provider if you or someone you know depends on medical equipment that requires electricity.
Basic recommendations:
- Avoid strenuous activities, especially during peak sun hours: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- Remember: drink water, rest, and seek shade if you are working outdoors or if your job is strenuous.
- For workers who need to be outdoors, it is suggested to drink water every 15 minutes even if you are not thirsty, rest in the shade, and be careful with other co-workers. It is further emphasized that employers must provide water, rest and shade when working in extreme heat conditions.
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Wear light, light-colored clothing.
- Engage in activities to stay cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned shopping center, or swimming in a pool or beach.
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, that they have bars. Air conditioners in buildings with more than six floors must be installed with supports so that they are secured and cannot fall on someone below.
- Never leave a child or pet in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Call 911, if…
- You begin to notice your skin is abnormally dry or hot
- If you have difficulty breathing or a very fast heartbeat
- When you assume that you are experiencing a moment of confusion, disorientation or dizziness.
- If you have nausea and vomiting
- If you or someone you know feels weak or faints, go to a cool place and drink water.
- For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 ( 212-639-9675 for video relay service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter or getting the free Notify NYC mobile app for your Apple or Android device.
The data:
- 1,220 people die from extreme heat each year in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, extreme heat is increasing in and is expected to become more frequent and intense.