NEW YORK—A massive heat wave engulfed the Northeast on Thursday. High heat and humidity are expected to last at least until Saturday. New Yorkers can expect 100-degree weather on Friday that will have a heat index of 110 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The city has opened 500 cooling centers in addition to deploying eight Water-On-The-Go fountains in high traffic locations.
Joseph F. Bruno, commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) held a press briefing at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Thursday to remind New Yorkers to take caution during the heat wave.
“We’re encouraging people to go on our website or call 311 if they need a cooling center,” said Bruno.
Officials warned about the dangers of heat illness and asked New Yorkers to remain in air-conditioned spaces and keep hydrated, while watching out for vulnerable elderly neighbors and relatives, who are at high risk.
City cooling centers are located within Department for the Aging (DFTA) senior centers, as well as New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and Salvation Army community centers. These air-conditioned spaces become open to the public during periods of excessive heat and provide New Yorkers, especially the elderly, a place to keep cool.
“It’s just unbearable trying to get around the city,” said Marie Accurso, 53, a Brooklyn native. “I’m drinking plenty of tap water.”
Water-On-The-Go fountains are being used at high traffic locations around the city. The fountains are portable installations, which are hooked into a fire hydrant. Each station has six faucets for drinking or filling water bottles, as well as a drinking bowl for pets. This marks the second year for the program, which will run through Labor Day.
Chief Hannafey reminded New Yorkers that illegally opened fire hydrants are a recurring and dangerous issue during heat waves. They rob hospitals and essential facilities of water pressure and can prevent firefighters from having access to adequate water pressure in case of a fire. A hydrant’s powerful stream can also push small children into traffic. Chief Hannafey asked those who plan to open a fire hydrant to visit a local firehouse and request a spray cap. An illegally opened fire hydrant wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, compared to just 25 gallons per minute for one with a spray cap installed.
Joseph F. Bruno, commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) held a press briefing at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Thursday to remind New Yorkers to take caution during the heat wave.
“We’re encouraging people to go on our website or call 311 if they need a cooling center,” said Bruno.
Officials warned about the dangers of heat illness and asked New Yorkers to remain in air-conditioned spaces and keep hydrated, while watching out for vulnerable elderly neighbors and relatives, who are at high risk.
City cooling centers are located within Department for the Aging (DFTA) senior centers, as well as New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and Salvation Army community centers. These air-conditioned spaces become open to the public during periods of excessive heat and provide New Yorkers, especially the elderly, a place to keep cool.
“It’s just unbearable trying to get around the city,” said Marie Accurso, 53, a Brooklyn native. “I’m drinking plenty of tap water.”
Water-On-The-Go fountains are being used at high traffic locations around the city. The fountains are portable installations, which are hooked into a fire hydrant. Each station has six faucets for drinking or filling water bottles, as well as a drinking bowl for pets. This marks the second year for the program, which will run through Labor Day.
Chief Hannafey reminded New Yorkers that illegally opened fire hydrants are a recurring and dangerous issue during heat waves. They rob hospitals and essential facilities of water pressure and can prevent firefighters from having access to adequate water pressure in case of a fire. A hydrant’s powerful stream can also push small children into traffic. Chief Hannafey asked those who plan to open a fire hydrant to visit a local firehouse and request a spray cap. An illegally opened fire hydrant wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, compared to just 25 gallons per minute for one with a spray cap installed.
