Community Emergency Planning in NYC - A Toolkit for Community Leaders

EXTREME HEAT RESPONSE

WHAT IS A COOLING CENTER?

Cooling centers are air-conditioned facilities—such as libraries, community centers, senior centers and NYCHA facilities—that are open to the public during heat emergencies.

WHO CAN ACCESS COOLING CENTERS AND HOW CAN I FIND MY NEAREST COOLING CENTER?

Any New Yorker looking for relief from the heat can use cooling centers. Use the Cooling Center Finder (nyc.gov/beattheheat or call 311/TTY 212-639-9675) to find your nearest center. Before going to a cooling center, call the site directly to find out more details about the center’s accessibility and hours.

HOW CAN I PREVENT A POWER OUTAGE DURING EXTREME HEAT?

Conserve energy as much as possible to avoid power disruptions:

• Set your air conditioner thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.

• Only use the air conditioner when you are home.

• Turn off nonessential appliances.