By Michael V. Cusenza
In the middle of a particularly oppressive heat wave, Con Edison asked residents of South Queens to conserve energy while company crews repaired equipment.
The utility on Tuesday reached out to 150,200 customers in Howard Beach, Broad Channel, South Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, and Kew Gardens via phone calls and text messages, asking them to not use energy-intensive appliances such as washers, dryers, and microwaves until crews complete repairs. The company also asked customers to limit unnecessary use of air conditioning.
As Con Ed noted, on Tuesday afternoon, the recorded temperature at John F. Kennedy International Airport was a mind-melting 102 degrees.
Mayor Eric Adams on Saturday cautioned residents to take precautions as high heat was expected to continue through Wednesday, June 25. City Emergency Management and the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued an Extreme Heat Warning, citing the National Weather Service forecast for the first heat wave of the season with heat indices reaching over 100 degrees over the coming days. NYC defines extreme heat events as periods when the heat index is 100 degrees or higher for one or more days, or 95 degress or higher for two or more consecutive days.
Adams administration officials noted that high heat is a silent killer, posing a disproportionate threat to our most vulnerable residents: adults aged 60 and older, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or cognitive impairment. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on their air conditioner. Those without air conditioning should identify their “Cool Options” (at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/) which range from private to public options, such as a friend, neighbor, or family member’s home, or indoor air-conditioned places open to the public like libraries, malls, and museums, including official NYC Cooling Centers.
“This week’s heat wave could be deadly and life threatening if you are not prepared,” Adams said on Saturday. “That’s why New York City has a plan to beat the heat. Know your cool options, whether it’s your own home, the home of a friend or family member with an air conditioner, a mall, a library, a museum, or an official city cooling center, and consider taking care of tasks that require you to be outdoors today or during off-peak hours when the sun is not as intense. We are in constant communication with our utility partners and monitoring the electric system, and city government is leading by example by reducing energy usage. We have also activated all agencies to get the word out. We want all New Yorkers to enjoy summer in the greatest city in the world — and we want to make sure that everyone is safe and protected whether they are in the sun, on the beach, on the streets, at home, or at work. This administration has made public safety the center of everything we do — and that includes preparing for extreme weather emergencies and protecting people outdoors. So be prepared, be safe, and stay cool this week.”
