Update: NYC Emergency Management is reminding New Yorkers of the Heat Advisory that remains in effect today and urges everyone to take precautions. A map to cooling centers can be found on nyc.gov/beattheheat. For Sunday, June 23, 2024, 45 schools have been opened as cooling centers from 8AM-5PM. For locations, visit on.nyc.gov/coolschools. Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible throughout the city in the afternoon through Monday. Please subscribe to Notify NYC for the latest emergency updates and alerts. Guidance from previous release is below.
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The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23
Cooling centers are open across the city, including, on Sunday, up to 45 NYC public schools as part of whole community approach. Each school will have the capacity to host and cool several hundred New Yorkers
To find the nearest location, including hours of operation, call 311 or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder
New Yorkers should also take advantage of additional cool options such as museums, movie theaters, coffee shops, or a neighbor, friend, or family member's home
June 21, 2024 — New York City Emergency Management Department and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advise New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23. Hot and humid conditions are in the forecast throughout weekend, with heat index values in the upper-90s to 100 across the city. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will also be possible each afternoon and evening through early next week. These may bring localized heavy downpours and gusty winds; however, flooding is not anticipated in NYC at this time. In addition, there is an Air Quality Health Advisory in effect until 11 P.M. today for ground-level ozone pollution. Finally, beach-goers are urged to exercise caution at Atlantic-facing beaches this weekend due to a high risk of life-threatening rip currents.
“New Yorkers, as we brace for high temperatures this weekend let’s prioritize safety by staying hydrated, staying indoors during peak heat, and looking out for one another,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This year, we have expanded the number of cooling centers available to the public and I encourage anyone looking for a place to beat the heat to take advantage of them or visit one of our city’s beaches. To find your local cooling center, visit our “Cool Options” map at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters or by calling 311. Let's stay prepared and safe.”
“As the summer is officially underway and bringing in high heat, I urge all New Yorkers to take precautions,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Limit strenuous outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing. Beat the heat by turning on your air conditioner or visiting a Cooling Center. New Yorkers can also stay cool by visiting a museum, house of worship, movie theater, publicly-accessible atriums and lobbies, or other cool spaces. High heat can be dangerous, look out for another, especially older adults, children, and anyone with chronic health conditions. Learn the signs of heat stroke.”
“Heat is dangerous but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect your health,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “So, remember to stay hydrated, stay cool, listen to your body and watch out for signs of heat stroke. Last but not least check in on vulnerable individuals, especially older, relatives, neighbors and friends, as well as those with chronic and mental health conditions.”
“As always, our schools stand ready to assist the city in any emergency,” said Chancellor David C. Banks. “I am deeply appreciative of our incredible facilities staff and School Safety Agents who will be on hand to open the schools and ensure they are prepared to welcome back students on Monday.”
The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department urge 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. In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. 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.
To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will continue to remain open throughout the five boroughs. Senior Centers/Older Adult Centers will be open to all ages this weekend. 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 Cool Options Map. New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers. This year's newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.
New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park and its pool are open, and all sprinkler systems are operating at all state parks in New York City.
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. DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 and redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness to services and shelter.
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 fire 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 also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Press Office (718) 422-4888
STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)
@nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)
MEDIA CONTACT: Press Office (718) 422-4888
STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)
@nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)
Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement