New York City Officials Host Emergencies and Immigrants Roundtable Discussion on Extreme Heat and Water Safety

For Immediate Release: July 23, 2025

Contact: SCoronel@cityhall.nyc.gov, 646-385-0334

New York –New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), NYC Parks, and Con Edison hosted an Emergencies and Immigrants roundtable on how New Yorkers can 'beat the heat' this summer, the City's heat plan, water safety, and energy conservation.

The event brought city leaders together to discuss how the City is responding to extreme heat, highlight efforts to protect New Yorkers at public beaches, city pools, and in their homes. In addition, MOIA discussed the importance of partnerships with ethnic media outlets to spread these important messages to their respective audiences.

"Heat-related illness impacts all New Yorkers, regardless of background. This administration's top priority remains keeping all New Yorkers safe," said Camille Joseph Varlack, Chief of Staff and Extreme Weather Coordinator. "We are proud to convene this roundtable to connect New Yorkers in at-risk, ethnic and immigrant communities to life-saving information and resources."

"All immigrant New Yorkers should have up to date and accurate information on what to do in case of an emergency, especially during extreme heat and potential flash floods of the summer," said Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, Commissioner Manuel Castro. "These resources, including heat and water safety tips, are essential for all New Yorkers to beat the heat and be prepared for an emergency. "

"Our commitment to help New Yorkers prepare before, during and after emergencies, particularly in our immigrant communities, is made stronger by our collaboration with ethic media outlets. This relationship ensures that lifesaving information and preparedness messaging reaches every visitor and anyone who calls New York home," said New York City Emergency Management First Deputy Commissioner Christina Farrell. "With the summer months bringing extreme temperatures and flash floods with heavy rains, we urge New Yorkers to have a plan before the next weather event, or any other emergency."

"As New Yorkers deal with another summer of high temperatures, NYC Parks is committed to helping people stay cool and safe. Whether you're enjoying our free outdoor pools and beaches under the watchful eyes of our brave lifeguards, beating the heat with playground spray showers, staying hydrated at our thousands of drinking fountains, or resting in the shade of our urban tree canopy, we offer plenty of ways for New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs to stay cool," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "We're proud to collaborate with our fellow city agencies to ensure that our diverse communities are safe during periods of extreme heat."

"Extreme heat takes a toll on the lives of New Yorkers, killing more than 500 New Yorkers each year," said Acting NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. "As our city faces more dangerously hot weather, we encourage those without access to air conditioning in their homes to utilize Cooling Centers or other cooling options nearby by such as a library or shopping mall. We also encourage New Yorkers to check on their neighbors and loved ones, especially if they are of advanced age. And for New Yorkers who will be outside this should seek shade, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated." NYC Health further emphasized that all New Yorkers should be familiar with the signs of heat illness that include heavy sweating, fainting or dizziness, vomiting or nausea, cold, pale, and clammy skin.

"Our continued infrastructure investments help ensure safe and reliable service throughout the summer to keep New Yorkers cool and connected. Our highly skilled crews are ready to respond to service problems if needed," said Jen Hensley, Con Edison's Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs. "During periods of extreme heat, New Yorkers can help by setting air conditioners to a comfortable temperature and defer the use of energy intensive appliances like dishwashers or laundry machines to later in the evening when demand typically goes down. When everyone conserves it makes a big difference."

Throughout the roundtable, several agencies referenced their programs and resources for the public's benefit.

NYC Health shared that they are asking New Yorkers to share their real stories the heat in the context of the environment, heat risk, temperature and other data at Your NYC heat story.

NYC Parks is once again offering FREE Learn to Swim classes at select outdoor pools this summer. Classes are being offered at 10 outdoor pools citywide for tots (ages 1½ to 5) and children (ages 6 to 17). Participants will learn basic swimming and water safety skills. Sign up by August 1 at nyc.gov/parks/learntoswim.

Con Edison shared their Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which helps customers receiving qualifying government assistance receive a discount on their monthly energy bill. Customers receiving Medicaid, Veterans Disability or Survivors Pension, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Lifeline Telephone Service Program benefits among others can enroll online or apply via email, fax, mail, or in person at one of Con Edison's walk-in centers.

Finally, NYCEM highlighted the NotifyNYC program, New York City's official, free emergency communications program. Immigrant New Yorkers can text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 to get citywide emergency updates straight to your phone.

Reply with your ZIP code when prompted to receive local alerts for your community.