A message to city residents from the Department of Health.
As most of you are aware, it is HOT!
The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously hot weather for New York City starting Wednesday, June 20. The heat wave is expected to continue into Thursday night.
High temperatures and humidity are expected to create heat indices approaching or exceeding 100F. This heat wave puts many of us at risk for suffering from illness.
Although we all are susceptible to the dangers that extreme heat brings, I am especially concerned for residents in our communities that are seniors (age 65 or older), who are isolated, live alone, and may not have family or friends that can provide frequent check ups or visits.
Seniors have the highest rates of illness and death from extreme heat exposure, but people of all ages are at risk, especially those with underlying health conditions and those taking medications that can impair how their body regulates heat.
In addition, seniors who live in North and Central Brooklyn, East and Central Harlem, Washington Heights, the South and Northeast Bronx, and the Rockaways are more likely to not have or effectively use cooling devices such as air conditioners.
So I ask that if you know of someone in your building or block that may have an increased risk for getting sick during this heat wave such as seniors, people with medical conditions, and children younger than five…. knock on their door or give them call to check-in with them.
To find a Cooling Center in New York City, call 311 or use the Office of Emergency Management's locator.
Be well and stay cool,
, MD, MPH | Assistant Commissioner
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
