Mayor Adams briefs on extreme heat preparedness

Mayor Eric Adams and senior city officials held a press briefing today to address the extreme heatwave expected to hit New York City this week. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory effective through tomorrow at 10 a.m., with heat indexes predicted to reach as high as 101 degrees. The city is emphasizing the importance of public safety and preparedness to mitigate the impact of the heatwave.

New York City has more than 500 cooling centers, including libraries, that will be open to the public. These centers provide a safe and air-conditioned environment for residents to escape the heat. The city’s Olympic and intermediate pools will operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and mini pools from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Beaches remain open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The city is in constant communication with Con Edison and PSEG Long Island to monitor and support the city’s energy grid. Residents are urged to minimize energy use during peak hours to prevent blackouts. Over 600 city buildings will reduce energy consumption, equivalent to powering down 12 Empire State buildings.

Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and stay in air-conditioned environments. Special attention is advised for individuals on medications that may increase the risk of dehydration. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s emergency notification system, available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language.

The MTA confirmed that 99% of subway cars are equipped with high-functioning air conditioning. Special heat patrols will be conducted to ensure track safety, and commuter railroad waiting rooms will remain open with air conditioning.

Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the city’s preparedness and coordination to ensure the safety and well-being of New Yorkers, stating, “Climate change is real, and these heatwaves are a clear and present danger.” Commissioner Zach Iscol of NYC Emergency Management highlighted the seriousness of heat as a silent storm that kills more people than any other weather event, and Dr. Ashwin Vasan, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, urged residents to stay hydrated, get indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Linda Johnson, President of the Brooklyn Public Library, highlighted that libraries across the city are open as cooling centers, offering a range of services from Wi-Fi to educational programs. Jamie Brennan, VP of Electric Operations at Con Edison, assured that the grid is reliable and ready for the heatwave, but urged customers to use high-energy appliances during off-peak hours to reduce stress on the system.

City officials are urging residents to take the heatwave seriously and utilize the resources available to stay safe. Checking on neighbors, particularly the elderly and those with health conditions, is emphasized as a community responsibility. The city is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers during this extreme weather event.