Preventing Heat Illness
Hot and humid summer weather can cause serious illness and death. Air conditioning is the best way to keep cool when it's hot outside, but some people don't have an air conditioner or don't turn it on when they need it. Read this fact sheet to learn more about heat illness, the importance of keeping cool to prevent heat illness, and how to help family members, friends and neighbors during a heat wave.
Keep Cool Brochure:
Tips For Keeping Cool When It's Hot Outside (PDF)
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Use an Air Conditioner During a Heat Wave
Make sure your air conditioner works before summer begins.
If you do not have an air conditioner:
- Go to a cool place like a neighbor’s house, library, shopping mall, swimming pool, or NYC Cooling Center. During the summer, New York City has cooling centers for those without air conditioning. You can
call 311 or TTY: 212-504-4115 to find a local cooling center.
- Keep your windows open to let in fresh air
- Consider buying an air conditioner
- Take a cool shower or bath. Be careful because sudden temperature changes may make you feel dizzy or sick
- Use a fan ONLY when the air conditioner is on or when the windows are open. Otherwise, a fan will just blow around hot air.
- If you use a window fan, set it to blow out hot air during the day and bring in cooler air at night
You can also keep your home cooler inside by:
- Installing window shades and curtains to keep the sun out of your home.
- Try not to use your stove and oven.
Drink Water Even if You do Not Feel Thirsty.
- Check your urine – Dark urine may mean you are not drinking enough.
- Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or lots of sugar.
Warning: Talk to your doctor about how to increase the amount of water you drink if you are on a fluid restricted diet.
Check on Family Members, Friends and Neighbors.
- If you know someone at high risk, check on them at least once a day and help get them to a cool place if necessary.
- If you have an air conditioned home or apartment, consider inviting them over to ‘share the cool’.
Stay Out of the Sun.
If you must be in the sun, wear:
- A hat to protect your face and head
- Thin, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes to cover as much skin as possible
- Sunscreen (at least SPF 15)
- Sunglasses
Avoid Strenuous Activities
- Do not exercise or do difficult chores in the hottest part of the day.
- Limit outdoor activities to early morning and late evening hours.
Do Not Leave Children, Elderly, or Pets in Cars
- Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures even on cool days and with the windows open.
Where Can I Get More Information?
