Skip to content
Join our Newsletter
  1. Home
  2. News

City Issues Heat Advisory: How to Stay Cool and Healthy

Avoid strenuous activities during the sun's peak hours, stay indoors with your AC and drink lots of water! Le Frak Center in Prospect Park.
Andrea Leonhardt
Le Frak, BK Reader
Le Frak Center in Prospect Park. Photocredit: Prospect Park Alliance

Avoid strenuous activities during the sun's peak hours, stay indoors with your AC and drink lots of water!

Stay cool and close to water.
Le Frak Center in Prospect Park. Photo credit: Prospect Park Alliance

As a heat wave continues to affect the area, the NYC Emergency Management Department announced on Monday evening that the heat advisory, which first was issued on Sunday by the National Weather Service, will be extended and the city's cooling centers will remain open through Tuesday, August 7.

"With extreme heat in the forecast, make sure to stay cool and hydrated," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. "Use air conditioning or visit a cooling center, and check in on older family members, neighbors and friends to help them stay safe."

Cooling centers — air-conditioned facilities such as libraries, community centers, senior centers and NYCHA facilities --are open to the public during heat emergencies. New Yorkers are urged to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. To find a cooling center closest to you, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/beattheheat. Additionally, the NYC Parks Department has extended daily pool hours to 8:00pm.

Cooling Centers in Brooklyn
The city has opened cooling centers throughout the five boroughs.

Prolonged exposure to heat can have serious implications to your health. It can aggravate existing conditions such as heart or lung disease which can be fatal, warns the health department and urges New Yorkers to immediately call 911 if the following symptoms occur: hot dry skin, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Take precautions to stay cool and healthy in the heat:

  • Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine. Eat small, frequent meals.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun's peak hours: 11:00am to 4:00pm. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00am and 7:00am.

Also keep your pets hydrated and cool! Photo credit: azcentral.com

If possible, go to an air-conditioned location for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.

  • Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
  • Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above) and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
  • Don't forget your furry friends: Give your pets plenty of fresh, clean water. Do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt as your pet's body can heat up quickly and sensitive paw pads can burn. Pay attention to symptoms of overheating in pets: excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse.

    • For more information go here.