N.Y. health officials form battle plan against record heat

BEATING THE HEAT Watch out for others Stay indoors Wear loose-fitting clothing Sit near a fan Drink plenty of water Avoid alcohol VIDEO Tips for finding comfort and safety during hot times. CNN's Dan Rutz reports on ways to beat the heat. Windows Media 28K 80K  ALSO: Some areas of U.S. may get relief from killer heat

July 6, 1999
Web posted at: 10:28 a.m. EDT (1428 GMT)

(CNN) -- Record-breaking heat across the eastern United States has presented a challenge for health departments. New York reached a record 101 degrees Monday, with a heat index -- the combined effect of temperature and humidity -- of 112.

Health officials want to avoid the kind of tragedy that struck Chicago four years ago when 500 people died in a prolonged heat wave.

In Chicago, city health officials were criticized for doing too little too late. But their New York counterparts are determined not to face that criticism.

New York is providing emergency day shelters to help people beat the heat.

"Basically, come in, cool off, relax," said Marjorie Melzer, New York City Housing Authority. "Especially because the heat out there is so bad. And if you don't have air conditioning in your home, please do come down, utilize the facilities."

Even the fire department is involved in providing special spray caps for hydrants and sprinklers for those who can't get to a swimming pool. But officials point out they can't win the battle against the heat alone.

"We've had a lot of incidents of elderly people calling for help from heat stroke and other heat problems, and we encourage everyone, if you want to do a good deed, to check on the elderly that might live in your building," said New York City Fire Commissioner Thomas Van Essen.

Media alerts are reminding New Yorkers to be good neighbors and look out especially for those who are most at risk: elderly shut-ins and others with special needs.

Experts say those who can't take the heat should simply stay out of it, especially during the hottest time of day.

Wear light, loose-fitting clothes, and if you don't have air conditioning, sit by a fan. And call for help if it gets too hot.

Be sure to drink lots of water; don't wait until you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, because it actually speeds up dehydration.

So far, safety officials say, it appears most people are heeding the advice.