Extreme Heat Advice

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Graphic to know signs check weather and stay in air conditioning to prevent heat-related illness

Extreme heat is one of the most dangerous weather conditions in New York State and the United States.

New Yorkers can be particularly vulnerable to heat waves because our bodies aren’t used to extreme heat and a lot of our infrastructure was not built to counteract it. Just a few degrees in the daily maximum summer temperature greatly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses and heat waves increase that risk up to four days after one occurs. As body temperatures rise, individuals may experience health effects of increasing severity. These include dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, the worsening of pre-existing conditions, and other illnesses. Older adults, children, people who work outdoors, and people with existing health conditions are at greatest risk.

Cool off in air conditioned spaces for a few hours a day to reduce your risk of heat-related illness.

Need a place to cool off?

Cooling centers are air-conditioned places to cool down during extreme heat. Recreational areas, including spray parks and community pools, may be included as places to get cool. Find a cooling center near you.

Do you qualify for a free air conditioner?

Eligible households can get a Cooling Assistance benefit to buy and install an air conditioner while supplies last. Check to see if applications are open and learn more using this English and Spanish flyer.

Prevent heat-related illness.

Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet each year many people suffer from its effects. Some individuals also are at a higher risk for heat-related illness than others. Learn more at Keep Your Cool During Summer Heat.

Keep kids out of hot cars!

More than half of children who died in a hot vehicle were forgotten by a parent or caregiver. In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up and become deadly.

Learn more at Keep Kids Out of Hot Cars!.

Know the symptoms of heat-related illness.

Illness Symptoms What to Do
Heat stroke (sun stroke)
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY - ACT FAST!
  • Hot, dry, red skin
  • Rapid pulse
  • High body temperature ≥ 105°
  • Loss of alertness
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness or coma
  • Rapid and shallow breathing
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Cool the person quickly.
  • Bring to a cool place and use a cool bath or sponges, fans and AC.
    OR
  • Wrap ice packs in cloth and place on neck, wrists, ankles and armpits.
    OR
  • Remove clothing and wrap the person in cool, wet sheets.
Heat exhaustion
  • Heavy sweating
  • Fainting
  • Vomiting
  • Cold, pale, clammy skin
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke so if symptoms worsen or don't improve get medical help.
  • Move the person to a cool place.
  • Loosen clothes and apply cool, wet cloths to the neck, face and arms.
  • Have the person sip water slowly. Provide half a glass of water every 15 minutes up to about 1 quart. Stop giving water if vomiting occurs.
Heat cramps
  • Muscle cramps in the abdominal area or extremities
  • Heavy sweating
  • Mild nausea
  • Move the person to a cool place.
  • Apply firm pressure to the cramping muscle.
  • Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold it for 20 seconds followed by gentle massage.
  • Have the person drink some cool water.
Heat rash
  • Skin irritation that looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters
  • Move the person to a cool place.
  • Keep the affected area dry.
  • Have the person use talcum powder to increase comfort.

Be prepared.

  • Plan ahead for heat waves or when indoor temperatures pose a risk of heat-related illness, especially if you are an older adult or family caregiver.
  • Make sure that you can open your windows and/or that your air conditioner is working properly.
  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about medications that might make you sensitive to the sun or heat.

Stay cool.

Learn how to Keep Your Cool During Summer Heat.
  • Not all methods for keeping cool are effective during a heat wave. Using a fan can be more harmful than helpful when indoor air temperatures are hotter than your body temperature. Know when it's too hot for a fan.
  • If you don't have an air conditioner, visit a cooling center.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.
  • Take regular breaks from physical activity and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

Learn more.

Did you know that some New Yorkers are at a higher risk for heat-related illness than others? Learn about Extreme Heat and Health in New York State and how summertime temperatures impact New Yorkers.

Coaches

  • Heat Index Procedures. The New York State Public High School Athletics Association has adopted extreme heat procedures for NYS public high school athletics departments.
  • Heat and Athletes. This CDC website describes how people who exercise in extreme heat are more likely to become dehydrated and get heat-related illness. It also provides tips for exercising when it's hot outside.

Workers/Employers

  • Protecting Workers from Heat Illness. Workers may be required to work in hot environments for long periods. This infosheet describes measures employers should take to prevent heat-related illnesses.
  • Heat Illness Prevention. The OSHA Heat Illness Prevention campaign educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat.
  • Acclimatizing Workers. When the heat index is high, special precautions are needed to protect un-acclimatized workers while they adjust, particularly on the first few days of the job.

Heat and Health Data

  • Heat Stress: Explore data on the percent of heat stress hospitalizations and emergency department visits in New York State due to heat.
  • County Heat and Health Profiles help identify populations and neighborhoods at highest risk and help communities prepare for and prevent heat-related illnesses.
  • Heat Vulnerability Index Maps identify areas in the state where people are vulnerable to heat. Heat vulnerability is how likely a person is to be injured or harmed during periods of hot weather.
  • Extreme Heat and Health in New York State presents the latest research on extreme heat and impact on health in New York State.