07/14/2026
Hello, Collective. 🌸
With the temperatures rising, I wanted to reach out and share a few gentle reminders to help us all stay safe, comfortable, and cared for during this heat wave. ☀️ Let’s look out for one another! 🤝
# # # **Stay Cool & Comfortable**
* **Prioritize A/C:** If you don't have air conditioning at home, please try to spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned public spaces like libraries or designated cooling centers. 🏛️ Fans are great, but they aren't enough on their own during extreme heat.
* **Hydrate Often:** Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. 💧 Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can actually dehydrate you.
* **Dress Light:** Choose loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to help your body breathe. 👗
* **Block the Sun:** Keep your curtains or blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day to keep your living space a little cooler. 🏠
* **Cooling Rituals:** A cool shower or bath, or even placing a damp cloth on your wrists, neck, or underarms, can make a world of difference. 🧊
# #**Signs to Watch For**
Heat-related illnesses can come on quickly. Please keep an eye on yourself and your loved ones for these symptoms: 🧐
* **Heat Exhaustion:** Keep an eye out for heavy sweating, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or muscle cramps.
* **Heat Stroke (Emergency):** This is serious. Look for a very high body temperature, confusion, slurred speech, hallucinations, a rapid heartbeat, or loss of consciousness. ⚠️
# # # **When to Seek Help**
If you or someone around you shows signs of **heat stroke**, or if symptoms of heat illness don't improve after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and hydrating, **please call 911 immediately**.
📞
**Local Resources:**
* **Find a Cooling Center:** You can visit the NYC Cool Options Finder or call **311** to locate the nearest air-conditioned facility.
* **Stay Informed:** Sign up for **Notify NYC** by texting "NOTIFYNYC" to 692-692 to receive emergency alerts. 📱
Let’s keep checking in on each other—a quick text or call to a neighbor or friend can make a big impact. ✨ Stay safe, stay hydrated, and take care of yourselves!
How are you staying cool during this heatwave?
Terry 💖