July 28, 2015
NEW YORK—With heat indices expected to rise into the mid to high 90s through Wednesday, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from noon today until 6PM on Wednesday. Mayor Bill de Blasio today urged New Yorkers 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. Additionally, an Air Quality Alert is in effect today until 11:00 p.m. New Yorkers should use air conditioning to stay cool, go to a place that has air conditioning if it is not available at home, drink water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
“The severe heat our city will experience in the coming days is extremely dangerous. I urge all New Yorkers to think first and foremost about their safety and the safety of those around them by checking on family, friends, neighbors, senior citizens, and those with chronic health conditions,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We are reminding all New Yorkers to make smart decisions by staying cool, hydrated, and out of the sun until this heat wave passes.”
To help New Yorkers beat the heat, New York City will open cooling centers on Tuesday and Wednesday around the five boroughs, including at senior centers, NYCHA facilities, and parks. Call 311 or go to nyc.gov/oem to find the nearest center, including accessible facilities.
New York City is also extending hours at City pools on Tuesday and Wednesday to 8:00 pm. Visit nyc.gov/parks to find the nearest pool.
Mayor de Blasio urges New Yorkers to take the following precautions during this week’s warm weather:
CHECK ON THOSE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT:
ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT:
For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/heathealth.
FACTS ABOUT HEAT ILLNESS:
Heat illness is serious. Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. The added stress caused by heat can also aggravate heart or lung disease even without symptoms of heat illness. The risk for getting sick during a heat wave is increased for people who:
Know the warning signs of heat stress. 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.
Call 911 immediately if you have, or someone you know has:
IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE:
The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and can lower water pressure to dangerous levels and hamper the ability of FDNY to fight fire safely and quickly.
Properly used “spray caps” 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 like an inconvenience, your cooperation will help to ensure that utilities are able to continue to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors.
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