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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Importance of cooling centers in heat emergencies
0:16:59
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59 sec
Carolyn Olson explains why cooling centers are a crucial component of the city's response to heat emergencies.
- Extreme heat events are the most dangerous type of extreme weather, killing hundreds of New Yorkers annually
- The city activates a heat emergency plan based on National Weather Service advisories
- Cooling centers are recommended for vulnerable people without home air conditioning
Carolyn Olson
0:16:59
Extreme heat events are on average the most dangerous type of extreme weather killing hundreds of New Yorkers every year.
0:17:06
As described by first deputy commissioner Farrell, the city activates the heat emergency plan by relying on the National Weather Service's science based advisories issued issued based on their highly specialized forecasted heat index.
0:17:21
Advisories recommend that people most vulnerable to heat impacts use their home air conditioner if they have one or if not that they go to an air conditioned place such as a cooling center, shopping center, or the home of a friend.
0:17:35
These advisories also urge the public and service providers to check on people who are vulnerable to heat related health impacts especially those without residential air conditioning, who have a chronic physical or mental health problem, or are elderly.
0:17:50
There are several reasons that cooling centers are an important component of the city's multi pronged response to heat emergencies.