Extreme Weather 6/10 – 6/12. Be Prepared!

June 10, 2026News and Updates
 

The Advance Warning System (AWS) disseminates information to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs through their service providers. Please share the important information below with your clients and other agencies or individuals to empower them to make informed decisions.

Dear AWS providers,

A Heat Advisory has been issued for Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12 due to heat indexes that may reach up to 100 degrees. Forecasts call for dangerously high temperatures and humidity that increase the risk of heat-related illness, particularly among those without access to air conditioning. The City’s Heat Emergency Plan is now activated.

We are asking that all service provider organizations reach out to their most at-risk clients to keep them healthy by taking the following steps:

1. Identify and prioritize targeted outreach to clients that are at risk of deteriorating rapidly in high heat. This includes individuals who:

Are 60 years or older
Have chronic conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or obesity
Do not have or do not use air conditioning during hot weather
Have cognitive, developmental, or mental health disabilities that affect judgment or self-care
Take medications that impair body temperature regulation or hydration
Use alcohol or other substances
Are unable to recognize or communicate that they are overheated or unwell

2. Confirm cooling plans with clients. Cooling strategies are clinical interventions.

If clients have air conditioning, encourage them to use it continuously during heat advisories. Set thermostats to low cool, around 78°F, to stay safe and manage energy use. If clients do not have access to air conditioning, help them make a plan to spend several hours a day in a safe, air-conditioned location. Cool Options include:

The home of a friend, family member, or neighbor with air conditioning
Public libraries, senior centers, shopping malls, museums, and other community spaces
Official NYC Cooling Centers, which open during heat emergencies

Clients and providers can call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit https://www2.pardot.health.nyc.gov/e/944933/coolingcenters/prg7r/935822056/h/SqN41BWKEsEHHfqpDnuhAIBwdivH3jhoWXKv_YL_xVM to locate Cooling Centers. Information is also available at nyc.gov/beattheheat. All Cooling Centers welcome service animals. As Cooling Centers are facilities managed by agency partners, accessibility, hours, and policies may vary by site.

3. Adjust services for clients as needed:

Ensure homebound clients have access to meals, hydration, cooling, and wellness checks
Plan for transportation to Cool Options locations for individuals who cannot travel alone. Clients who have access to MTA Access-A-Ride should schedule trips no later than 5pm EST the day prior to travel, and visit mta.info or call 877-337-2017 for travel information and service disruptions.
If providing in-person services, be alert for signs of heat illness. Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, heavy sweating, nausea, confusion, or hot dry skin. Call 911 immediately for suspected heat stroke.

4. Prepare your staff:

Refer to the AWS resource Heat Tips for Service Providers for guidance on conducting outreach, assessing client risk, and recognizing symptoms of heat-related illness. Prepare staff with hydration supplies, printed Cool Options information, and lists of nearby cooling locations. Your staff can use the following sample client conversation as a guide.

Sample Client Conversation

“I want to check in with you because the weather is getting dangerously hot. Do you have an air conditioner at home? If not, let’s figure out a cool place you can go during the hottest part of the day, like a Cooling Center, a library, or a friend’s home. It’s important because fans alone are not enough when it’s this hot. Also, remember to drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid going out between 11 AM and 4 PM. Do you have someone who can check in with you during the heat wave? If not, let’s set that up.”

5. Share the following key safety reminders with your clients and their caregivers:

Extreme heat can be life-threatening, even indoors.
Use air conditioning if available. Set it to low cool to stay safe and conserve energy.
If you do not have A/C, go to a public or private cool place. Spend a few hours in a friend’s house, mall, or NYC Cooling Center.
Drink water regularly, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Stay out of direct sun, especially between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Never leave children, pets, or people with disabilities alone in a car.
Protect service animals and pets from the heat. They can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water. When the temperature is very high, do not let dogs linger on hot asphalt. A service animal or pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Symptoms of overheating include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.
Call 911 right away if you or someone else shows signs of heat stroke or severe illness.
Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/beattheheat for information about Cooling Centers and other services.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping New Yorkers safe.

The Advance Warning System (AWS) alerts organizations who work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs to various types of hazards and emergencies in New York City that may affect people’s independence and daily lives. Participating organizations receive public preparedness and emergency information that they can relay to their clients and other similar agencies. If you work for an organization that serves people with disabilities or access and functional needs you can subscribe for AWS Alerts at the following link: https://www2.pardot.health.nyc.gov/e/944933/aws/prg8c/935822056/h/SqN41BWKEsEHHfqpDnuhAIBwdivH3jhoWXKv_YL_xVM

Please do no reply to this e-mail. This mailbox is not monitored. To make changes or receive assistance with your account, please login to the AWS website or contact us through the AWS website. If you think you or someone else may have an emergency, call 911 immediately.