PLAY IT SAFE THIS SUMMER

Extreme heat is no joke. Every summer, New Yorkers get sick from it, and it can even be fatal. Here are some important tips to deal with the heat this summer

Beat the Heat

Extreme heat is no joke. Every summer, New Yorkers get sick from it, and it can even be fatal. Here are some important tips to deal with the heat this summer:

• Use an air conditioner when it’s hot out, and use window shades to block the sun.
• If you do not have an air conditioner:

– Go to a cool place like a family or friend’s home, library, shopping mall, or NYC Cooling Center (call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/311 for the location nearest you).

– Use a fan ONLY with the windows open.

• Drink lots of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine, or high amounts of sugar.
• Cool showers or baths may be helpful, but avoid going from one extreme temperature to another.
• When outside: 

– Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and a hat.

– Wear sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher on your face.

– Stay in the shade and out of direct sun.

– Avoid strenuous activity.

• Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a parked car during periods of intense heat.
• Check in with family, friends, and neighbors often to see how they are doing.
• Visit www.nyc.gov/beattheheat for more information.

Heat Illness Symptoms

• Hot, dry skin OR cold, clammy skin
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Confusion, hallucinations, or disorientation

Do you qualify for a free AC unit?

Through New York State’s Home Energy Assistance Program, you may be eligible for funds for the purchase and installation of one air conditioner or fan – up to an $800 benefit. This assistance is only available to households meeting the income guidelines and which include a household member with a documented medical condition that is worsened by extreme heat. Visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/program.asp#cooling or call 800-342-3009 to see if you qualify and find out how to apply. Apply now through August 31 for this valuable benefit. A limited amount of funding is available, and assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is Your Air Conditioner Unit Safe to Use?

• All air conditioners must be safely installed, properly braced, and conform to the manufacturer’s installation specifications.
• Do not use bricks, wood, cans, phone books, or any other object to support or level the AC unit.
• If you need info on proper installation or if you see an AC unit that appears to be improperly installed, call the CCC at 718-707-7771.
• During an apartment inspection, NYCHA staff will determine whether AC units and window guards are installed properly.

Safety Begins At Home

Extension Cords

• Extension cords should not run under rugs or behind radiators, be nailed to walls, or be run through water.
• Replace old, damaged, or frayed extension cords.
• Do not overload extension cords.
• Never use indoor extension cords outdoors.
• Use cords that are rated to handle the wattage of the devices that they’re powering.
• Never use a cord that feels hot.
• Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug.
• Don’t plug extension cords together.

Window Guards

• NYCHA requires that every window in an apartment have a window guard, except windows that open onto fire escapes.
• Notify Property Management before removing an AC so an appointment can be made to immediately install a window guard.
• Call the CCC immediately at 718-707-7771 if you believe that a window guard is not secure or installed properly; the L-shaped stops keeping the bottom window from opening too high are absent or installed improperly; or there are unguarded openings greater than 4½ inches anywhere in the window.

Crime Tips

• Report immediately any issues with building entrance doors and intercoms or lighting in common areas and grounds to the CCC at 718-707-7771.