Article · NYC311

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Call 911 if you or someone you know has these symptoms of heat illness:

Heavy sweating
Muscle cramps
Light headedness, feeling faint
Headache
Decreased energy
Loss of appetite, nausea

When the heat index, which is an estimate of how it feels when air temperature and humidity are combined, is predicted to be dangerously high, New York City opens cooling centers in air-conditioned facilities to offer people relief from the heat.

Sites where cooling centers are located include:

Libraries
Community centers
Senior centers
NYCHA facilities

You should use a cooling center during a heat wave if you have no access to a cool environment, and particularly if you are at risk for heat-related illness.

Cooling center facilities are managed by New York City Agency partners, who determine each site's hours of operation and levels of accessibility. Rules and policies vary by location.

It is up to the management of the Cooling Center if they want to require social distancing and the use of face coverings.

For more information, contact a facility directly.

Find a Cooling Center.

Heat illness occurs when the body cannot cool down. The most serious forms of heat illness are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Serious signs of heat illness include:

Hot, dry skin OR cold, clammy skin
Confusion, hallucinations, disorientation
Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
Nausea or vomiting
Trouble breathing
Rapid, strong pulse
Weakness
Dizziness

Use air conditioning or go to a cooling center or another cool place, like a store or mall
Set air conditioning at 78 degrees or low cool to stay comfortable and conserve energy
Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids, even if you are not thirsty
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible
Avoid sun and strenuous outdoor activity between 11 AM and 4 PM
Use shades or awnings
Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher

You can find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. The City has also partnered with Petco to offer additional spaces for pets and their owners to seek relief from the heat. All locations can be found on the City's Cooling Center Finder.

Service animals are always allowed at cooling centers.

For more information about pets contact the facility directly.

Find a Cooling Center.

Cooling Centers

Heat Illness Symptoms

Health Precautions During Hot Weather

Pets