Last week’s heat wave that brought record temperatures to the metropolitan area also kept cooling centers open, 3-1-1 operators’ on-their-toes and claimed the life of a Queen’s woman.
According to the medical examiner’s office, complications brought on by tremendous heat proved fatal for the 46-year-old, who has yet to be identified, on July 6.
Temperatures in the metropolitan area remained between 96 and103 degrees from July 4 through 8, including back to back days where the temperature exceeded 100 degrees for the first time since 1999, as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS).
The Office of Emergency Services (OEM) kept over 500 cooling centers open during the week. They were found by concerned residents who went online to NYC.gov or by calling 3-1-1. A list of cooling centers is only available during heat emergencies.
“We were really busy,” said a 3-1-1 operator who saw call volume reportedly rise 40 percent for mostly heat related issues, causing some OEM workers to stay for 12-hour shifts.
OEM along with officials at Con Ed reminded New Yorkers to conserve energy by using less electricity, setting thermostats no less than 78 degrees and to not leave air conditioners turned on in unoccupied rooms. With high demand for electricity comes more instances of power outages. Between July 5 and July 8, Con Ed reported having 43,000 customers who experienced various outages.
The rising temperatures were brutal for those that were forced to work outside.
Letter carrier Candice More, 24, of Laurelton was told to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water on her Bayside postal route.
“It was hell . . . Everybody was telling me that they felt bad for me and how I shouldn’t be outside, but we have a job to do no matter what,” said More.
As of now, the NWS does not project another heat emergency for the east coast, but temperatures are expected to remain in the high 80s.
