As another heat wave grips the area this week, city officials are warning New Yorkers about the risk of heat-related illness and offering help to prevent it.
City data shows heat-related emergency room visits spike as temperatures rise, and about 350 New Yorkers die from heat-related causes each year. But some New Yorkers, including those who are older or lack access to air conditioning, are at higher risk for heat-related health complications than others.
“Climate change and extreme heat is a public health crisis, and we are approaching it with the same sense of urgency, coordination and focus that we would any other,” city Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said on Monday at a press conference on the heat wave.
Vasan and others on the frontlines of the city’s response to extreme heat outlined steps that New Yorkers can take to stay safe. They include recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, knowing where to find air conditioning if it’s not available at home and checking in on those who are most vulnerable.
When does the heat become dangerous?
Beyond checking the temperature, the city recommends monitoring the heat index, a measure of how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity. Take extra precautions when the heat index is above 95 degrees. Heat index values were forecast to top 100 degrees in parts of the region on Monday and were expected to on Tuesday and Wednesday as well.
To stay current, you can check out data from the National Weather Service or your preferred weather app, or sign up for Notify NYC, which offers alerts related to extreme heat and other emergencies.
The top ways to stay cool
During extreme weather, it’s important to stay hydrated and get inside to a place that’s air conditioned whenever possible, said Vasan.
“Even if you don’t feel thirsty, we have the best drinking water in the world here,” he said. “Drink it often [and] early. Carry around a bottle. Do whatever you can to keep ahead on your fluids.”
Vasan added that drinks with electrolytes like Gatorade are also an option but people should stay away from dehydrating beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.
When indoors, the city recommends setting your air conditioner to maintain the temperature at 78 degrees or cooler. Other options for beating the heat at home include using a fan, taking cool showers or baths and keeping windows and curtains closed.
When outdoors, the city recommends having on sunscreen, hats and loose clothing and staying in the shade whenever possible. Avoiding strenuous activity is also advised. Those who work outside should hydrate and take frequent breaks in the shade, according to officials.
Where can you cool off — or get an air conditioner
If you don’t have a working air conditioner at home, you may be eligible to apply for a free one if you meet the income requirements and live with someone who is vulnerable to the heat, such as a small child, an older family member or someone with a qualifying medical condition. Applications are first come, first served, and you can determine your eligibility and apply here, or call 311.
The city has also created a searchable map of places where New Yorkers can go to cool down, including the closest senior and community centers, City Council offices and public libraries. It’s searchable by which locations are currently open and which ones are pet-friendly. (The latter filter reveals a list mostly populated by Petco’s).
Public pools throughout the city can also offer some relief, although some have struggled with capacity issues due to an ongoing lifeguard shortage.
Mayor Eric Adams said on Monday that hours have been extended until 8 p.m. at Olympic- and intermediate-sized pools during the heat wave. Pool locations and hours can be found here.
Who is most at risk for heat-related illness?
Infants and older adults are more vulnerable to extreme heat, as are people with certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney diseases, said David Silvestri, assistant vice president for emergency management at NYC Health + Hospitals and an ER doctor.
Certain medications can also make it harder for people to control their body temperatures, while those that act as diuretics can make people more dehydrated, he cautioned. Medications including beta blockers can even make it harder for a person’s body to recognize the signs of heat-related illness, according to Vasan.
“Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about whether you should continue taking your medications,” he said.
While the city encourages people to avoid strenuous activity outdoors when temperatures are high, that’s not an option for everyone, including construction and delivery workers. They can end up in the hospital for heat-related issues if they’re not hydrating properly, even if they’re otherwise young and healthy, Silvestri said.
Meanwhile, those who don’t have air conditioning in their homes are also at higher risk of heat illness, especially if they live alone. Those who are socially isolated are particularly vulnerable because they might not have someone else around to see that they’re struggling.
What are the signs that you’re overheating?
“If you have a headache, nausea, trouble breathing, weakness or dizziness, or if you feel like you’re about to lose consciousness, those are all signs that the heat is having an effect on you, Vasan said. Other indications include heavy sweating, low energy, muscle cramps or skin that is either clammy or excessively hot and dry.
The city recommends that people suffering from extreme heat go somewhere cool, remove extra clothes and drink lots of water.
“It’s crucial to get indoors and, if needed, call 911 for help,” said Vasan.
Silvestri noted that people who are having a heat stroke might not realize it because it causes confusion, so it’s important to look out for signs that someone is agitated or has stopped making sense.
Helping your fellow New Yorkers
City officials are encouraging New Yorkers to check on their neighbors, particularly if they are older, live alone and don’t have air conditioning.
JASA, an organization that operates older adult centers and housing for older adults, regularly conducts wellness checkups on its clients during heat waves and tries to help people get air conditioners if they lack them, said Aisha Parillon, JASA’s senior director of older adult centers.
Businesses across industries can also help keep New Yorkers safe.
Delivery workers often rely on restaurants where they pick up food as respites from high temperatures, but some businesses are more friendly than others, said Sergio Ajche, cofounder of the group Los Deliveristas Unidos, which advocates for delivery workers. He said some let workers linger inside while others are less accommodating.
“There are places where people are more conscientious and offer you water or something to drink,” said Ajche. “I think it’s a matter of educating the business owners.”
Even customers can help by offering delivery workers a cool beverage, he added.