New York Sets Up Cooling Centers, Urges Residents to Prepare for Week-Long Extreme Heat Wave

A brutal heat wave exceeding 90 degrees is about to hit New York on Tuesday, July 26, and will likely last for eight consecutive days. Gov. Kathy Hochul has urged residents to prepare for the scorching temperature and announced the opening of cooling centers across the region.

In a statement on the governor's official site, Hochul also urged New Yorkers to check up on their neighbors as the upcoming extreme heat wave can be dangerous to families with elderly members, young kids, and people with disabilities. New York's head of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Commissioner Jackie Bray, also said that the heat wave might trigger stress and illnesses. She advised residents to stay indoors, hydrate frequently, and limit their activities in the early morning or when the sun is down.

If locals need relief from the heat, they may check for cooling centers or public air-conditioned facilities near their homes. Staying at these centers for a few hours can lower people's risks of developing heat-related illnesses.

The state's Department of Health has an online FAQ and Cooling Center Finder, as some locations have changed since last summer. New York cooling centers are open to service animals, so families with pets may bring them to cool down as well.

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What can people do at the cooling centers?

Young Lee and Olga Gines, senior citizens, like staying at the cooling centers to escape the heat. They frequent the Covello Center in East Harlem, where organizations have also scheduled activities to keep the visitors entertained. Some cooling centers also serve breakfast or lunch, per CBS News.

Wilfredo Gonzalez, who lives a block from a cooling center, recalled that his heart almost gave out during one short walk from his house to the center a few summers ago. However, he needed to be there because many elderly people like him live alone in their houses. Aside from the food and the activities, they need companionship, and they should have people looking out for them in this dangerous weather.

The last time New York had extreme heat for 12 days was in the summer of 1953. In 2002, New York had two eight-day heat waves, reaching over 90 degrees.

The forecast for this coming week shows that Thursday, July 28, could be the hottest at 97 degrees. Friday will still feel hot because there will be no clouds in the sky, and the sun's harsh rays will penetrate the atmosphere.

Cooling tips for the extreme heat wave

The governor's office has also released a few cooling tips to prepare for the extreme heat wave. Aside from hydrating and staying indoors at a cool temperature, households must try closing the drapes and windows to lessen solar heat buildup.

For families planning to buy an air conditioning unit, look for models with ENERGY STAR qualifications, as these use 25 percent less power. Ideally, install the units in the best-shaded part of the house as the unit will be forced to work harder if it's in direct sunlight. Use appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers in the early morning or late at night to reduce the humidity and heat inside the house.

Meteorologist Amy Freeze cautioned commuters taking the subway to be extra careful because of the limited ventilation. Waiting for the train may be oppressive; some people could pass out on the platforms.

Freeze also advised locals to adjust their schedules and leave in the early morning or late afternoon, if possible, so they won't have to ride the subway under critical conditions.

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