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June 20 is the first day of summer, and Mayor Eric Adams and ������ƵEmergency Management Commissioner (NYCEM) Zach Iscol are reminding New Yorkers to make a plan and prepare for extreme weather during the summer months by knowing their cooling options and referring to to protect New Yorkers from extreme heat.

People with chronic health illnesses, mental health conditions, substance or alcohol abuse and older adults are more likely than younger New Yorkers to experience adverse effects from extreme heat. Additionally, as people get older, their ability to maintain a safe body temperature declines, resulting in an increased risk for heat-related illness. New York City urges residents to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat, including vulnerable individuals such as seniors and those with chronic health problems.

“New York City has a plan to beat the heat — so know your ‘Cool Options,’” said Mayor Adams. “Extreme heat will not just be uncomfortable and oppressive for New Yorkers this coming week, it will be brutal and it will be dangerous. Whether it is an air-conditioned space, such as your home, a friend’s or family member’s home, a library, or a museum, find a way to stay cool. Stay hydrated, check on your elderly family members and neighbors, and make sure your pets have all the water they need. By acting smart, we will get through this heat.”

To stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies, New Yorkers can sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system, by calling 311, visiting the , or downloading the Notify ������Ƶapp.

Visit the (HVI) to understand how health risks during and immediately after extreme heat events compare across ������Ƶneighborhoods, and how the HVI helps the City identify and direct resources to neighborhoods at higher risk during extreme heat.

During extreme heat, the ������ƵDepartment of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area. DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams who engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to services and shelter.

KEY RESOURCES TO BEAT THE HEAT

NYCEM released , an instructive guide for New Yorkers to navigate extreme heat this summer. During heat emergencies, New York City will activate its extensive network of cooling centers to provide indoor, cooled spaces as a respite from dangerous outdoor temperatures. To make it even easier for residents to find these cooling havens, the city is taking the following steps:

• 24/7 Cool Options Map: The newly revamped is available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, as well as find updated information on ‘cool options,’ including libraries, malls, and museums that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.
• Increased Cooling Center Partners: NYCEM has expanded its partnerships to offer a wider range of cooling centers throughout the city, ensuring more options for residents during heat emergencies, including new cultural sites and elected officials’ offices.
• Pet-Friendly Cooling Centers: Through a partnership with Petco, the City will provide numerous pet-friendly cooling centers for New Yorkers.
• Heat Preparedness Messaging: The City is working with food partners like City Meals on Wheels and City Harvest to distribute heat safety information to vulnerable populations.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT

Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults ages 60 and older and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Safety tips include:

• Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay.
• Go to an air-conditioned location, even for a few hours.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during peak sun hours (11 AM to 4 PM).
• Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty; rest in shade; avoid alcohol or caffeine.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Visit places like museums, malls, or public pools to stay cool.
• Never leave a child or pet in a car, even briefly.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

Call 911 immediately if someone has:

• Hot, dry skin
• Trouble breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting

If someone feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

WORKING IN EXTREME HEAT

If working outdoors during extreme heat:

• Drink water every 15–20 minutes and rest in the shade.
• Dress in light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Use SPF 15+ sunscreen.
• Reschedule or reduce heavy labor between 11 AM and 4 PM.
• Use the buddy system and monitor for signs of heat illness.
• Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade.

KEEPING PETS SAFE

Those with pets should:

• Make sure pets have access to fresh water at all times.
• Walk dogs during the early morning or evening.
• Avoid hot pavement, which can burn paws.
• Know the signs of heat stress in pets, including excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or collapse.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

Improperly opened fire hydrants waste over 1,000 gallons of water per minute and lower pressure needed to fight fires. New Yorkers who want to cool off in fire hydrants are asked to use a City-issued spray cap to reduce output to 25 gallons per minute. Residents 18 and older can request a spray cap at their local firehouse.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

Follow these tips to save energy and reduce power outages:

• Set air conditioners to 78°F.
• Run large appliances during cooler hours.
• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day.
• Turn off ACs, lights, and electronics when not home.
• Let utility companies know if someone in the home relies on electricity for medical needs.

VOLTAGE REDUCTIONS

During periods of extreme heat (and other periods of high energy consumption), Con Edison may implement voltage reductions to lower the overall energy demand and prevent overloading the electrical grid. A voltage reduction could impact your power supply at home or elevator operations. If your elevator service is impacted and you have a disability or need assistance, ������Ƶ can call their property management office or the Customer Contact Center (718-707-7771).

AIR QUALITY

Following last year’s wildfire smoke impacts, NYCEM updated internal guidance for air quality incidents, including plans for mask distribution, adjusting outdoor activities, and enhancing outreach to at-risk groups. New York City continues to monitor regional and Canadian wildfire conditions that may affect city air quality.

HURRICANES

Hurricane season begins in August. New Yorkers should know their evacuation zone, make a plan, and stay informed. Visit or call 311.

For more information on how to handle extreme heat, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit . Sign up for Notify ������Ƶat , call 311, follow , or download the app for Apple or Android.

FLASH FLOODS

Flash floods can fill streets, stairwells, and basements in minutes, often with little or no warning. New Yorkers who live in basements, below-grade dwellings, or low-lying areas should take extra precautions: keep a Go Bag near the door, clear exits, and plan to leave early if conditions worsen.