The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory which will be in effect from 3:23 a.m. until Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. NWS officials said heat index values indicate that temperatures in the lower 100s are possible in The Bronx and in all of New York City, with high humidity forecast which may cause heat related illnesses to occur.
New York City residents are advised to call 311 to identify cooling center locations and obtain “Beat the Heat” safety tips. NWS officials said a heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.
They said, “Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning.”
They added, “Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.” They also reminded residents that heat stroke is an emergency, and in cases of heat stroke to call 911.
To help New Yorkers beat the heat, cooling centers are open throughout the five boroughs. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. 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. Prevailing COVID regulations apply.
How Hot Is It? Have you ever wondered how hot your neighborhood is compared to the rest of the City? Check out our map of relative summer temperatures averaged over the last five years. pic.twitter.com/4OhiRvsJJf
— Sci4NY (@Sci4NY) July 13, 2022
NYCHA officials said in the context of the most recent heatwave that it has 26 generators on hand as a contingency measure for power outages during heat events. In addition to these generators, they said the agency had prepped a range of available equipment, including one light tower, a command bus, an emergency response truck, and a non-potable water truck.
According to NYCHA, officials have also trained elevator staff in preparation for possible power outages, and hold ongoing bi-weekly meetings to disseminate Safe NYCHA advisory information. For more information, visit on.nyc.gov/extreme-heat.
In New York City, according to EMS, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Officials say air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner. City officials are urging New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. For more information, including heat-related health tips and warning signs of heat illness, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat.
It’s going to be a hot week in NYC. Take steps to stay safe & #beattheheat:
✅Keep cool and hydrated. ✅Find your nearest cooling center: call @nyc311 or visit https://t.co/9PRlDTeUgY ✅Be a buddy and check on your neighbors. ✅Stay informed and sign up for @NotifyNYC alerts. pic.twitter.com/9MUQVnU3m9
— NYC Emergency Management Commissioner (@NYCEMCommish) July 19, 2022
Meanwhile, New York City’s public outdoor pools are open on a limited basis due to an ongoing lifeguard shortage, as reported. Bring a bathing suit, towel, and lock to secure belongings. More information on pool opening hours, etc. can be found at nyc.gov/parks/pools. A citywide map of outdoor cooling options (including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more) can be found online at Cool It! NYC.
During extreme heat, the Department 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. Transportation to cooling centers is available via DSS outreach teams who engage with potentially homeless individuals every day of the year and intensify engagement during extreme heat.
NYC will experience extreme heat tomorrow. The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) has issued a #CodeRed Alert, initiating enhanced outreach efforts. Outreach teams will help DHS clients access cooling centers.
Visit https://t.co/gu0XhQkVxK to find one near you. pic.twitter.com/VY7rBcEOPn
— Homeless Services (@NYCDHS) July 18, 2022
ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS
Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:
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.
The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fires safely and quickly.
Use “spray caps” to 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.
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 inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death.
For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.
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