Mayor Adams and NYCEM Commissioner Iscol Urge New Yorkers to Plan and Prepare for Extreme Temperatures as Summer Starts

June 20, 2025

City’s Heat Emergency Plan and Cooling Centers Will Be Activated on Sunday in Anticipation of Upcoming Heat Wave

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol today marked the first day of summer by reminding New Yorkers to make a plan and prepare for extreme weather during the summer months by knowing their cooling options and referring to NYCEM’s robust, proactive safety plan to protect New Yorkers from extreme heat.
 As New Yorkers experience more extreme weather events, people with chronic health illnesses, mental health conditions, substance or alcohol abuse, and older adults are more likely than younger New Yorkers to experience adverse effects from extreme heat. Additionally, as people get older, their ability to maintain a safe body temperature declines, resulting in an increased risk for heat-related illness. New York City urges residents to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat, including vulnerable individuals such as seniors and those with chronic health problems.

“New York City has a plan to beat the heat — so know your ‘Cool Options,’” said Mayor Adams. “Extreme heat will not just be uncomfortable and oppressive for New Yorkers this coming week, it will be brutal and it will be dangerous. Whether it is an air-conditioned space, such as your home, a friend's or family member's home, a library, or a museum, find a way to stay cool. Stay hydrated, check on your elderly family members and neighbors, and make sure your pets have all the water they need. By acting smart, we will get through this heat.”

“Summer in the city is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but we must also prepare for the challenges that heat can bring,” said NYCEM Commissioner Iscol. “Extreme heat can be a serious public health risk in communities already facing health and housing challenges, so it’s important for New Yorkers to know their cooling options, check in on neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat illness, and prepare now, so they’re ready for the warmer days ahead. That includes expanding access to cooling centers and focusing our outreach to communities where the heat hits hardest.”

“It is essential to stay cool during hot weather — use air conditioning or go to a cool place where you feel comfortable,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “Heat is dangerous, but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect your health. Remember to stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks — even when you don't feel thirsty — and minimize caffeine and avoid alcohol. It’s also important that we take care of one another by checking in on family, friends and neighbors — especially older adults.”
To stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies, New Yorkers can sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency notification system by calling 311, visiting the Notify NYC website, or downloading the Notify NYC app.

Visit the NYC Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) to understand how health risks during and immediately after extreme heat events compare across NYC neighborhoods, and how the HVI helps the city identify and direct resources to neighborhoods at higher risk during extreme heat.

During extreme heat, the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area. DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams who engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to services and shelter.

KEY RESOURCES TO BEAT THE HEAT

NYCEM released Beat the Heat, an instructive guide for New Yorkers to navigate extreme heat this summer. During heat emergencies, New York City will activate its extensive network of cooling centers to provide indoor, cooled spaces as a respite from dangerous outdoor temperatures. To make it even easier for residents to find these cooling havens, the city is taking the following steps:

• 24/7 Cool Options Map: The newly revamped Cool Options Map is available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, as well as find updated information on 'cool options,' including libraries, malls, and museums that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.
• Increased Cooling Center Partners: NYCEM has expanded its partnerships to offer a wider range of cooling centers throughout the city, ensuring more options for residents during heat emergencies, including new cultural sites and elected officials’ offices.
• Pet-Friendly Cooling Centers: Through a partnership with PetCo, the city will provide numerous pet-friendly cooling centers for New Yorkers.
• Heat Preparedness Messaging: The city is working with food partners like City Meals on Wheels and City Harvest to distribute heat safety information to vulnerable populations.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT
Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Safety tips include:

• Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay.
• Go to an air-conditioned location, even for a few hours.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during peak sun hours (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
• Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty; rest in shade; avoid alcohol or caffeine.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Visit places like museums, malls, or public pools to stay cool.
• Never leave a child or pet in a car, even briefly.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

Call 911 immediately if someone has:

• Hot, dry skin
• Trouble breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting

If someone feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

WORKING IN EXTREME HEAT

If working outdoors during extreme heat:

• Drink water every 15–20 minutes and rest in the shade.
• Dress in light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Use SPF 15+ sunscreen.
• Reschedule or reduce heavy labor between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
• Use the buddy system and monitor for signs of heat illness.
• Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Voting:

New Yorkers planning to vote in the upcoming primaries should consider going to their assigned poll site during the cooler hours of the day for Early Voting or on Election Day. Polling site hours vary, so plan ahead. To find hours and locations, call 311 or visit vote.nyc.

NYCEM is working in close coordination with the New York City Board of Elections (BOE) to monitor and address heat-related impacts. The agency is delivering water and reviewing additional needs such as fans to support on-site operations at poll sites that the BOE is already responsible for providing to voters.
In addition, NYCEM is closely coordinating with utility partners to monitor power systems and address any potential heat related disruptions throughout the week.
New York City Public Schools Graduations:

Many graduation ceremonies are scheduled to be held outdoors in the coming days. Attendees should stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen. Anyone planning to attend an outdoor graduation should check directly with the school on the day of the event to confirm whether it will be held outside or if plans have changed due to weather conditions as location changes may occur on the day of events.
KEEPING PETS SAFE
Those with pets should:

• Make sure pets have access to fresh water at all times.
• Walk dogs during the early morning or evening.
• Avoid hot pavement, which can burn paws.
• Know the signs of heat stress in pets, including excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or collapse.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

Improperly opened fire hydrants waste over 1,000 gallons of water per minute and lower pressure needed to fight fires. New Yorkers who want to cool off in fire hydrants are asked to use a city-issued spray cap to reduce output to 25 gallons per minute. Residents 18 and older can request a spray cap at their local firehouse.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

Follow these tips to save energy and reduce power outages:

• Set air conditioners to 78°F.
• Run large appliances during cooler hours.
• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day.
• Turn off ACs, lights, and electronics when not home.
• Let utility companies know if someone in the home relies on electricity for medical needs.

AIR QUALITY

Following last year’s wildfire smoke impacts, NYCEM updated internal guidance for air quality incidents, including plans for mask distribution, adjusting outdoor activities, and enhancing outreach to at-risk groups. New York City continues to monitor regional and Canadian wildfire conditions that may affect city air quality.

HURRICANES

Hurricane season begins in August. New Yorkers should know their evacuation zone, make a plan, and stay informed. Visit NYC.gov/knowyourzone or call 311.
For more information on how to handle extreme heat, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. Sign up for Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, follow @NotifyNYC on X, or download the app for Apple or Android.

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