Mayor Urges New Yorkers to Keep Cool

For the third day in a row, temperatures reached dangerous highs, creeping towards 100 degrees. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, at an outdoor press conference himself, warned New Yorkers to protect themselves against the heat.
Mayor Urges New Yorkers to Keep Cool
Kristen Meriwether
7/16/2013
Updated:
7/16/2013

NEW YORK—For the third day in a row, temperatures reached dangerous highs, creeping towards 100 degrees.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, at an outdoor press conference himself, warned New Yorkers to protect themselves against the heat.

“This kind of weather can be dangerous, particularly if you don’t have an air conditioner, are elderly, or have chronic health issues,” the mayor said at P.S. 41 in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

The city has 425 cooling centers open for those without air conditioning, and other air conditioned buildings such as libraries or movie theaters are a recommended alternative.

The mayor warned New Yorkers to take extra precaution with pets and to limit exercises to early morning or after the sun sets.

The Office of Emergency Management recommends the following to beat the heat:

1. Stay out of the sun—avoid extreme temperature changes.
2. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect some of the sun’s energy.
3. Drink fluids—particularly water—even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. (Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first consult their physician.) Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine.
4. Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours—11 a.m. to 4 P.M.
5. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
6. If possible, go to an air-conditioned building for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.
7. New York City may open cooling centers around the five boroughs. When cooling centers do open, call 311 or go to nyc.gov to find the nearest center.
8. Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
9. Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, shopping at a mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
10. Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above); wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
11. Never leave your children or pets in the car.