On hot summer days, New York City can be up to ten degrees more sweltering than the surrounding areas. The record summer temperature in Central Park was a blistering 106 degrees in 1936. And thanks to global warming, we've seen more than our fair share of 90-something degree days over the last few summers.
When the heat index is predicted to be dangerously high, New York City declares a heat emergency to help keep New Yorkers healthy and conserve energy to avoid another blackout like the one in August of 2003. Following are some tips and resources to help you beat the heat during New York's worst heat waves.
Tips For Beating The Heat and Staying Cool
Do your best to stay out of the sun and avoid strenuous activity during the sun's peak hours of 11AM and 4PM. Plan your workout or other physically demanding activities for the day's coolest hours between 4AM and 7AM.
When you're out in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and a hat to protect your face and head.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.
Drink plenty of water even if you don't feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.
Avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine. They can cause dehydration.
Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid high-protein foods. Put that Atkins diet on hold until the temperature drops.
Head to a local swimming pool or beach to cool off. During heat emergencies, New York City pools and beaches are open late and often offer free or reduced admission.
Find a cooling center. During heat emergencies, New York City opens air-conditioned cooling centers around the five boroughs where residents can find a break from the heat. Find the cooling center nearest you.
Cool down with cool baths or showers. However, never take a shower immediately after becoming overheated. You may cool down too quickly and become nauseated or dizzy.
Never leave children or pets in a parked car during a heat wave.
Cool off at a fire hydrant, using only City-approved fire hydrant spray caps available free of charge at local firehouses. Illegally opening a fire hydrant is wasteful and dangerous - one illegally opened hydrant wastes up to 1,000 gallons of water per minute.
Monitor signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Contact 911 immediately if medical help is required.
Get Tips for Conserving Power During a New York Heat Wave
