The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Eastern and Central U.S. through the July 4 weekend. Here’s how to keep cool, whether you’re celebrating our country’s 250th birthday or enjoying the World Cup festivities.
- Limit your time outdoors during the heat wave. Effects of heat stress are cumulative, reducing the body’s ability to protect itself as time spent in hot temperatures compounds.
- Need to cool off? Find cooling centers in New York City here: catholiccharitiesny.org/NYCcoolmap; and throughout the rest of the state here: catholiccharitiesny.org/NYScoolmap.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outside in the sun. Don’t forget sunblock and a hat!
- If you’re feeling dizzy, nauseous, or weak, or you’re experiencing shortness of breath, dry skin, or a fast pulse, get to a cool place and rest, ideally lying down with your feet slightly elevated. Make sure to drink water or an electrolyte beverage.
- If you witness someone suffering from symptoms of heat illness, call 911 or take them to an emergency room.
- Check in with the people who may be especially vulnerable to the heatwave, especially the elderly, children, or those with mental illness. Ensure that they are staying hydrated and taking precautions to protect themselves from the heat.
In New York City:
- NYC Health + Hospitals Cooling Outreach On-Location (COOL) vans to provide emergency care, medical checks, and cooling supplies throughout the five boroughs. Call 311 to request one.
- LinkNYC kiosks will display directions to the nearest center.
- Olympic- and intermediate-sized outdoor pools will be open until 8:30pm.
- Cooling center map: catholiccharitiesny.org/NYCcoolmap
Throughout the State of New York:
- Sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts by texting your county or borough name to 333111.
- Keep an eye on air quality by visiting https://www.airnow.gov/.
- The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are extending hours at many state parks and swimming pools.
- Cooling center map: catholiccharitiesny.org/NYScoolmap
