NEW YORK, NY (TIP): The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM), and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) , on June 26, hosted an immigrant media roundtable to discuss how New Yorkers can “Beat the Heat” this summer by identifying signs of extreme heat and taking appropriate measures.

Extreme heat means high heat and humidity with temperatures that are much higher than normal (10 degrees or more) lasting for several days. Extreme heat is a serious threat in New York City, and New Yorkers need to be extra careful during hot summer months.

“It is crucial we continue to host these immigrant media roundtables, especially to provide life-saving information,” said

Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “From my past advocacy experience on behalf of day laborers, I know just how vulnerable immigrant populations are to extreme weather conditions. Local immigrant press are trusted messengers, and work tirelessly to ensure their communities take necessary steps to stay safe and cool this summer.”

Know the Signs of Heat Illness

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises quickly and can lead to death. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:       

*Hot, dry skin

*Confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation

*Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive

*Nausea or vomiting

*Trouble breathing

*Fast, strong pulse

*Weakness

*Dizziness

*Heavy sweating

*Cold, clammy skin

*Muscle cramps

*Lightheadedness or feeling faint

*Headache

*Decreased energy

*Loss of appetite or nausea

What the City Does

During heat emergencies, the City will open cooling centers throughout the five boroughs. Visit the Cooling Center Finder at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/ or call 311 to find cooling center locations.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters heat and cool their homes. For more information, visit nyc.gov/hra/help/energy-assistance.

All New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s official emergency notification system, to receive free, customizable emergency alerts in 14 different languages including ASL. Download the free mobile app or receive notifications in 13 different languages by signing up at nyc.gov/notify or calling 311.

(This roundtable is part of MOIA’s monthly activation to share information on available city resources and services. For additional information and resources, visit nyc.gov/beatttheheat)