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Good Afternoon AWS Service Providers,
The Advance Warning System (AWS) disseminates information to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs through their service providers. Please share the important information below with your clients and other agencies or individuals to empower them to make informed decisions.
With heat indices expected to rise into the mid to high 90s through Wednesday, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from noon today until 6 PM on Wednesday. Mayor Bill de Blasio today urged New Yorkers 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. Additionally, an Air Quality Alert is in effect today until 11 PM. NYCEM is activating the City's Heat Emergency Plan this afternoon due to the updated heat forecast.
NYC Emergency Management urges New Yorkers to take precautions to prevent serious illness that can result from the heat, especially among vulnerable individuals such as seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions. New Yorkers who are vulnerable should use air conditioning to stay cool, go to a place that has air conditioning if it is not available at home, drink water frequently, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day. New Yorkers are urged to check in on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors to help them stay cool.
Cooling Centers are air conditioned facilities, such as Department for the Aging (DFTA) senior centers, libraries, and community centers, that are open to the public during heat emergencies. Cooling Centers have been activated and you can find the cooling center closest to you by calling 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or visiting NYC Emergency Management's Cooling Center Finder at http://www.nyc.gov/oem.
The New York City Parks Department's public pools are also a great way to keep cool. The City is extending hours at City pools today and tomorrow to 8 PM. Most of the pools feature wheelchair accessible ramps or lifts. Click for public pool locations and accessibility information: http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools
We are encouraging all organizations that serve individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs to continue monitoring constituents throughout this heat event. Organizations like yours play a critical role in preventing some of the most devastating effects of extreme summer heat.
During periods of very hot weather, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs are at a greater risk for heat-related illness. Older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and those taking certain medications should consult with their doctors about complications due to extreme heat.
Please click here to read the Department of Health's Heat Wave Preparedness Checklists for Vulnerable Populations Service Providers.
If at-risk clients have an air conditioner, encourage them to use it during a heat event. If an at-risk individual does not have an air conditioner, discuss other options for staying cool, such as New York City's cooling centers.
Hot weather is also dangerous for pets. Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly so give your pet plenty of water when it's hot out. Make sure to provide your pet a shady place to escape from the sun and hot asphalt and never leave an animal alone in a parked vehicle. Signs of an overheated pet include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, an increased heart or respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures or an elevated body temperature over 104 degrees. Pet owners should make sure that all open windows feature tightly secured screens to prevent falling injuries and deaths. Similarly pets should not be left unsupervised around a pool.
Click here for more pet safety tips from the ASPCA.
Additionally, Mayor de Blasio urges New Yorkers to take the following precautions during this week's warm weather:
CHECK ON THOSE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT:
- A small but crucial gesture can help ensure that we all have a safe and healthy summer: Get to know your neighbors, and contact neighbors and relatives - in person or by phone - at least twice a day during heat waves.
- Pay special attention to the elderly, the very young, and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition. New Yorkers should check in on older neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.
- The Department of Homeless Services has issued a Code Red Alert and has enhanced outreach. Single adults can present to any shelter to seek refuge from the heat. Transportation is also available to cooling centers via DHS outreach teams, which are checking on vulnerable, at-risk clients with greater frequency.
- The Department for the Aging has opened senior centers as cooling centers, and home care agencies are on the lookout for clients who may need assistance. Case management agencies are also calling through home-bound seniors.
- Air conditioning is the best way to keep cool when it is hot outside, but some people do not have an air conditioner or do not turn it on when they need it. Encourage them to use air conditioning. Help them get to an air-conditioned place if they cannot stay cool at home. Make sure they are drinking enough water.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT:
- Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first consult their physician.
- Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine.
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun's peak hours: 11 am to 4 pm. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 am and 7 am.
- If possible, go to an air-conditioned building for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.
- Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
- Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, shopping at a mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
- Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above) and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
- Never leave your children or pets in the car.
Please do all that you can to keep yourself and your constituents safe and cool through this extreme heat!
NYCEM Human Services Unit:
Human Services ESF List email distribution list (sends to all listed below): humanservicesESFList@oem.nyc.gov
Christopher Pagnotta
Advance Warning/Community Outreach Specialist
Cell: 347-578-1485
cpagnotta@oem.nyc.gov
Johanna Conroy
Director of Human Services
Cell: 917-662-3295
jconroy@oem.nyc.gov
Marianne Jackson
Special Needs Liaison
Cell: 646-879-7232
mjackson@oem.nyc.gov
Eli Fresquez
Senior Human Services DAFN Planner
Cell: 347-386-0389
efresquez@oem.nyc.gov
Cynthia Barton
Disaster Housing Recovery Program Manager
Cell: 917-468-2768
cbarton@oem.nyc.gov
Jonas Ballreich
Human Services Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Cell: 347-374-1058
jballreich@oem.nyc.gov
Jay Brandt
Human Services Emergency Preparedness Manager
Cell: 646-596-3147
jbrandt@oem.nyc.gov
Marnie Suss
Human Services Emergency Support Function Coordinator
Cell: 917-468-1728
msuss@oem.nyc.gov
Annette Santiago
Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources
Cell: 347-534-7028
asantiago@oem.nyc.gov
Sonia Ajwani
Human Services Emergency Support Function Coordinator
Cell: 646-628-7684
sajwani@oem.nyc.gov
Elizabeth Angeles
Human Services Emergency Support Function Coordinator
Cell: 646-628-7754
eangeles@oem.nyc.gov