NY Health Officials Advise Precautions as Temperature Soars

Public health officials are advising New York residents to take precautions as temperatures in the region are set to soar Thursday.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory in effect through 6 p.m. High heat and humidity are expected, with temperatures in the 90s and heat index values in the upper 90s on Thursday.

Officials are encouraging residents to take steps to prevent heat illness.

“Extreme heat is dangerous, especially for vulnerable New Yorkers,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “I urge everyone to think about their safety and the safety of others around them by checking in on family, friends, neighbors, senior citizens, and those with chronic health conditions.”

“Extreme temperatures affect people of all ages, but older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “The best way to help those at risk is to help them get to a cool place and make sure they drink plenty of water.”

To help New Yorkers beat the heat, New York City will open cooling centers throughout the five boroughs on Thursday. Cooling centers are air-conditioned facilities such as libraries, community centers, senior centers, and NYCHA facilities that are open to the public during heat emergencies. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the NYC Cooling Center Finder at www.nyc.gov/beattheheat beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday.

The New York City Emergency Management Department urges 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.