Beat the heat in Hudson Square

July 19, 2022

A heat advisory is expected to be issued for New York City for Wednesday, July 20, 2022 and Thursday, July 21, 2022.

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department today advised New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather Service is expected to issue a heat advisory for New York City for Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21. High heat and humidity are in the forecast for Wednesday, with heat index values in the mid to upper 90s across the city. Heat indices in the mid to upper 90s are also anticipated on Thursday.

To help New Yorkers beat the heat, New York City will open cooling centers throughout the five boroughs beginning Tuesday. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder.

A citywide map of outdoor cooling options (including pools, spray showers, drinking fountains, and more) can be found online at Cool It! NYC.

New Yorkers who do not have an air conditioner can call 311 or check online to find out whether they qualify for a free air conditioner through the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Tips to beat the heat

  • Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.
  • Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11 a.m. to 4 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 a.m. and 7 a.m.
  • Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if you are not thirsty, rest in the shade, and watch out for others on your team. Your employer is required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
  • Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first speak with their doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffein
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when inside without air conditioning or outside.
  • Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
  • Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach

Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion

If you or someone you know has signs of heat exhaustion, 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

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

 

Hudson Square

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