Check On Your Friends & Family During This Heatwave

Today is supposed to yield the highest temperatures yet of our near week-long heatwave, with the heat index expected to hit 105°F. This will be the longest heat wave since July 2006, when 40 people died from heat-related illness over a 10-day period. To make sure everyone is keeping in good health, the New York City Office of Emergency Management asks residents to assist them in looking out for our neighbors, friends, and family who might be suffering from heat illness.

The OEM advises us to check on vulnerable relatives, friends, and neighbors,  who may be particularly susceptible to heat illness. Risk is heightened for people without air conditioning, seniors, people with pre-existing health conditions, people who take medication that can disrupt body temperature, people who are overweight or obese, or people who are confined to their beds.

If you notice someone has hot, dry skin or cold, clammy skin, is confused or disoriented, is nauseous or vomiting, has a rapid heartbeat or trouble breathing, or is weak or dizzy, call 911 immediately and try to get that person to a cold place if possible.

To prevent heat illness, people are encouraged to visit cooling centers. Centers near Park Slope include:

Brooklyn Central Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Hours: Mon 9am-6pm, Tu-Th 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1-5pm

Park Slope Library
431 6th Ave at 9th St, 718-832-1853
Hours: Mon 10-6pm, Tu 1pm-8pm, Wed 10am-6pm, Th 1pm-8pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm

Park Slope Neighborhood Senior Center
463A Seventh Street
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm