Hot and humid New York City summer weather is not to be taken lightly. Due to the “urban heat island effect,” cities are significantly warmer than the surrounding suburbs and rural areas. Summer heat waves pose a serious public health threat. With prolonged exposure to high temperatures, people lose water and salt from sweating. This can cause symptoms of heat exhaustion – muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and fainting. If left unchecked, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke which can be fatal. Those most vulnerable to extreme heat include older adults, people with chronic medical conditions or mental health conditions and the socially isolated.
Prevent heat illness in yourself and others this summer.
- Pay close attention to weather reports. It is not just about the temperature, you also need to keep an eye on the heat index which is a measure of how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity. A heat index above 95 degrees F is especially dangerous for older adults and other vulnerable individuals.
- Stay cool by wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that allows your skin to breath and drinking plenty of fluids. During a heat wave, stay in an air conditioned space. If that is not an option in your home, visit a friend’s house, a library, or a city cooling center. You can find a cooling center in NYC by calling 311.
- Keep your home cooler by closing shades or curtains during the day to block the sun and only using your stove and oven sparingly. You can also switch your incandescent bulbs out for energy-efficient light bulbs.. ENERGY STAR lighting produces 70 to 90 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs.
Businesses also need to put employee safety measures in place for outside work sites.
- New employees who have not recently worked outdoors need to be slowly acclimated into hot weather work. New workers are most susceptible to heat-related medical problems.
- Provide air-conditioned or shady areas for breaks.
- Provide plenty of cool water and encourage workers to stay hydrated.
- Encourage regular meals and snacks to replace lost electrolytes.
- Train everyone to recognize and report the signs of heat exhaustion in themselves and others.
- Schedule heavy work for earlier or later in the day instead of the hottest midday hours.
Know when to seek medical attention for heat illness.
If you are experiencing signs of heat exhaustion, stop all activity and rest in a cooler location while replacing lost fluids with water or a sports drink. If symptoms worsen or do not improve within one hour, it is time to seek medical attention. Additional symptoms that require medical attention related to heat illness include confusion, agitation, loss of consciousness, or the inability to drink fluids.
At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe in New York. For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!
