High Heat Warnings
This morning, September 5, 2023, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) issued Health Advisory #18, to be distributed to all those in health care responsible for emergency management. The state Department of Health (DOH/the Department) issued a similar warning this afternoon.
For NYC: A heat advisory is in effect for today and tomorrow, with heat indices expected to reach the mid to upper 90s (F). High temperatures are expected through Thursday, September 7.
For the rest of NYS: The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerous heat and humid conditions with Heat Advisories posted through Wednesday evening. High temperatures and humidity levels will be especially dangerous during the afternoon into the early evening hours.
Both advisories are accessible on HCP’s Emergency Management website.
Advisory Highlights
Experts note that extreme heat is the deadliest extreme weather condition, adding that climate change is making New York City summers hotter.
Healthcare providers, including home and community-based services organizations, should anticipate and prepare for an increase in heat-related illnesses and complications among vulnerable populations. Most heat-related illness sufferers do not have (or don’t use) air conditioners and succumb in their own homes. Fans alone do not provide sufficient cooling.
DOHMH notes that Black New Yorkers have double the risk of death from heat than White New Yorkers due to the impact of various social drivers of health.
Homecare agencies and healthcare providers are strongly urged to contact their caregivers and most vulnerable patients to raise awareness and advise them to stay cool and well hydrated. Be vigilant in monitoring for symptoms that indicate heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps/exhaustion/stroke, and complications from heart and lung disease.
Instruct patients and caregivers to use home air conditioners or seek cooling centers or locations that are air-conditioned such as a mall, library, or supermarket.
A list of cooling centers can be found on the NYSDOH Cooling Center Locator. New York City residents can call 311 or visit the city’s cooling center website to find safe locations during a heat wave. Note that the NYC cooling centers (and the website tool) are only activated during times of high heat.
More Information
The NYC Emergency Management heat topics website offers more information, including how to prepare your home, ways to help your neighbors, and how to recognize heat-related illnesses. Tips to conserve water and energy can also be found here.
Visit the Department of Environmental Conservation website for more information on NY State efforts regarding extreme heat and its effects on individuals.
HCP’s Emergency Preparedness website is free and publicly accessible, and includes Department of Health (DOH/the Department) and other official notifications on weather-related conditions that can impact care delivery. Look for the July, 2023, notice from the Department for important information for health care providers regarding preventing heat-related illness. Be sure to review the entire notification, as it includes a handy patient checklist and additional information beyond the scope of this alert.
Statewide, those in need of air conditioning units or utility assistance can be referred to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) cooling assistance program. Medical documentation is not necessary to show need, but your clients may need help with the application. HCP reminds providers that home care workers are also safer in an air-conditioned environment during a high-heat event.
Monitor weather conditions daily to keep workers informed, and be sure caregivers keep patients informed of weather alerts at each shift.
We encourage all providers and patients to sign up for NY Alert, the state’s Mass Notification System used to warn citizens in a timely manner of emergencies and provide other critical information.