With the mercury rising and temperatures approaching triple digits, cooling centers throughout the city are opening their doors to help residents beat the heat.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for the oppressive heat expected today. The high temperature for today is 99 degrees, but some areas may hit 100.
Though heat waves are not often considered to be a health risk, they should not be taken lightly. According to the NWS, heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States – more than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
Often, it is not just the heat alone that kills, but the added stress can aggravate heart or lung disease.
Cooling centers open when the heat index – often termed as apparent temperature – surpasses 100 or after two consecutive days of 95.
Often housed in senior centers, libraries and community centers, there are over 400 cooling centers throughout the city. To locate the one nearest to you call 3-1-1 or visit the Office of Emergency Management’s web site, www.nyc.gov/oem.
Here are some tips from the OEM beating the heat:
• Use an air conditioner if you have one.
• If you do not have an air conditioner, go to a cooler place such as an air-conditioned store, mall, museum or movie theater.
• Use a fan if the air is not too hot. Fans work best at night to bring in cooler air from outside. Use a fan only when the air conditioner is on or the windows are open.
• Drink plenty of water or other fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or high amounts of sugar.
• If possible, stay out of the sun. When you’re in the sun, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible, wear a hat to protect your face and head and use sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to protect exposed skin.
• Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a parked car.
• Avoid strenuous activity, or plan it for the coolest part of the day, usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Be careful if you take a cold shower to stay cool – sudden temperature changes can make you feel dizzy or sick.
