Extreme heat kills. 350 New Yorkers died prematurely last year from preventable heat illness. If you’re elderly or have other health conditions like heart disease or asthma, you’re at even higher risk, among other factors.
Extreme heat is a serious threat in New York City, and New Yorkers need to be extra careful during hot summer months. Extreme heat means high heat and humidity with temperatures that are much higher than normal (10 degrees or more) lasting for several days.
It is important to understand your risk to extreme heat and make a heat emergency plan that works for you and your family.
What to Do Before Extreme Heat
Know the Signs of Heat Illness
Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises quickly, which can lead to death. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you or someone you know has the following symptoms
- Hot, dry skin
- Confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation
- Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Fast, strong pulse
- Weakness
- Dizziness
People suffering from heat exhaustion need to get to a cool place, remove extra clothes and drink lots of water. Symptoms to look for:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, clammy skin
- Muscle cramps
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Headache
- Decreased energy
- Loss of appetite or nausea
Understand Your Risk and Make A Plan
- Talk with your doctor about your risk to extreme heat. Different conditions can raise your risk.
- Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe during extreme heat.
Struggling to pay for an air conditioner?
You may qualify for energy assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
- If you do not have air conditioning, plan to visit a family, friend, or neighbor’s home or find a free public place such as a coffee shop, mall, or public atrium you can spend time in during the day that as air conditioning.
View our 24/7 map of cool options and be sure to call locations ahead of time before heading out:
- Extreme heat can cause power outages. Make a plan for what you need to do if your power goes out at our Utility Disruptions page. Have supplies on hand. Notify your utility provider immediately.
- Ask your utility company whether your medical equipment qualifies you to be listed as a life-sustaining equipment customer (LSE). For those who rely on electric-powered medical equipment at home (e.g., respirators, dialysis machines, apnea monitors), please register with your utility provider so you can be contacted in the event of an emergency.
Banner Image: Code Red. Image Credit – NYC DHS
NYC Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is the department of the government of New York City responsible for public health along with issuing birth certificates, dog licenses, and conducting restaurant inspection and enforcement. The New York City Board of Health is part of the department. Its regulations are compiled in title 24 of the New York City Rules (the New York City Health Code). Since March 2022, the commissioner has been Ashwin Vasan.