Beat the Heat
Whether you’re heading out to Coney Island or barricading yourself inside your studio with the AC on full blast, be sure you follow these tips to Beat the Heat:
Drink Water
Not to toot our own horn…but drinking nature’s perfect beverage is especially important on hot days. If you expect to be outside, take frequent breaks and make sure that everyone stays hydrated. We are fortunate to have some of the highest quality tap water on the planet and it happens to be about 1,000 times less expensive than bottled water. Drinking NYC tap water is an economical, healthy, and sustainable way to beat the heat! Check out our Water-On-the-Go schedule to see if there’s a fountain near you (or just turn on your tap).
Put a Cap On It
When the temperatures rise, it may be tempting to beat the heat by opening a fire hydrant. Illegally opened hydrants can release more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute. When such large amounts of water are lost in the distribution system, it can reduce water pressure in neighborhoods, making it difficult to fight fires or cause lower water pressure in nearby hospitals. Hydrants can be opened legally if equipped with a City-approved spray cap, which release only 20 to 25 gallons per minute. Adults 18 and over can get a City-approved spray cap, free of charge, at local firehouses. If you observe a running fire hydrant, or are experiencing low or no water pressure, please notify 311 immediately.
Get Informed and Stay Alert
During a heat advisory, it is important to keep a close eye on seniors and those with chronic health problems. Be aware that indoor spaces without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. New Yorkers are especially vulnerable to heat-related hazards as the city can be as much as 10 degrees warmer than its surrounding areas. You can find out more information from NYC Emergency Management and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
