Hundreds of New Yorkers head to cooling centers: ‘people trying to cool down’
NEW YORK (PIX11) — Millions of New Yorkers have been trying to beat the heat this week, and today is no exception. A heat advisory is in effect as temperatures are soaring high into the 90s.
Medical experts are recommending avoiding outdoor activities during the afternoon and evening hours, which is usually the hottest part of the day. This heat wave is not only uncomfortable but also very dangerous.
“I have a tin can full of ice,” said Katherine Lynch-Goodman. She is doing all she can to make it through her 10-hour work shift under this suffocating weather as she goes door to door dropping off packages.
These extreme temperatures are already keeping ER doctors busy.
“We are already seeing patients come in with the full spectrum of heat-related illnesses that ranges from minor conditions, heat rash, and heat cramps all the way to more such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” stated Erin Muckey MD, MBA Chief Medical Director of Emergency Department, University Hospital Newark.
New York City has opened more than 500 cooling centers. For Camilo Miranda, a Salvation Army cooling center in Jackson Heights, Queens, is a lifesaver. He said in Spanish that he does not have air conditioning at home. This is where we also found Luz Ortiz and her 12-year-old son Neymar.
“Outside is very, very hot,” she said. Adding her, the air conditioning at home stopped working.
“We are receiving a lot of people trying to cool down. More than 200, I would say, in the last three days, yes,” said Major Guillermo Dicaterina – Commanding Officer of Salvation Army Queens Temple.
According to city officials, approximately 350 people die in New York each year because of hot weather.
“Patients are going to be excessively sweeting feeling dizzy, skin rash, headaches. Muscles cramps. When that happens, it is important to remove from the heat and try oral hydration. If symptoms don’t improve, they need to come to an emergency room.” Added Dr. Muckey.
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