How to Stay Cool in and Around NYC During a Heat Wave

How to Stay Cool in a Heat Wave in NYC — Getty Images

How to Stay Cool in and Around NYC During a Heat Wave

Summer officially starts this week and it’s bringing the heat already. NYC is prepping for its first heat wave, or “extreme heat event”, according to the National Weather Forecast, and both triple-digit heat indexes and temperatures well into the 90’s are predicted for the week. The City defines extreme heat events as periods when the heat index is 100°F or higher for one or more days, or 95°F or higher for two or more consecutive days.

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued a warning to New Yorkers to be on alert throughout the week by checking in on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable people, and taking steps to ensure their family’s health and safety.

According to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, the city has added more cooling centers this year. These designated spaces are free and open to the public, where anyone without immediate access to air conditioning can stop in to beat the heat at any time. They will be open this Tuesday morning, June 18, through Thursday, June 20. Finding a NYC cooling center is easier than ever with a newly revamped ‘Cool Options Map’ where New Yorkers can quickly and easily locate these centers during heat emergencies. It also offers other cool-down options like libraries, malls, and museums that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.

Psst… Read our Guide to Staying Safe in the Sun This Summer

For New Yorkers not residing within the city’s five boroughs, the NYS Department of Health lists Cooling Centers, which can be searched via county or map.

Hot weather can be very dangerous, and is considered a silent killer at times. Heat waves pose a threat to not only the elderly, but also to infants, very young children, people and children with asthma, heart conditions or other health issues, and pregnant women as well. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared a new HeatRisk Map displaying heat intensity across the United States for the week ahead.

You can also check the UV Index Scale posted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for info on the temperature in your area.

Tips for Staying Safe During a Heat Wave

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene offer the following tips:

Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events.
Stay in an to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours
Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes
Avoid strenuous activity during the sun’s peak midday hours
Drink water every 15 minutes, rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams.
Eat small, frequent meals
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Hang out in cool places like the movies, museums, the mall, or the pool/beach.
Doors and windows should have tight-fitting screens, and window guards as well if children reside in the home.
Never leave a child or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Know the signs of heat stroke and call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has: hot dry skin, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, or dizziness, or nausea and vomiting
Don’t forget about pets, who can dehydrate quickly. Give them plenty of fresh, clean water, go for walks in the morning and evening only, and never let them linger on hot asphalt that can burn their sensitive paw pads. Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.

How to Conserve Energy During a Heat Wave

While you’re probably going to want to pump the AC, that’s not a good idea. To avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. Here are some easy ways to achieve this:

Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”
Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.
Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.
Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed.
Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home (if you do not have pets), and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home.
Keep air conditioner filters clean.
Tell your utility provider if you or someone in your family depends on medical equipment that requires electricity.

Places In and Around NYC to Stay Cool

Heat waves can be a bummer, but so is staying home when it’s sunny out. Here in NYC, your family can cool down at any number of places in and around NYC while also having fun. Pack the sunscreen and swimsuits and head to any of these spots where a dip or splash in some cold water will keep you cool as a cucumber all day long.

How to Stay Cool in and Around NYC During a Heat Wave