NEW YORK – As New York City and the surrounding area become gripped by a prolonged period of dangerous heathealth officials in NYC released their annual report on heat-related deaths in the Big Apple.
The report shows that there are approximately 350 heat-related deaths each year. Of these, an average of seven deaths from heat stress are directly caused by heat, and 340 deaths are due to heat stress. the heat worsens or worsens an underlying condition, such as heart disease.
Among the report’s key findings:
- Heat-exacerbated deaths have increased over the past decade as summers have become warmer
- Heat-related deaths are more likely to occur at home
- Lack of access to air conditioning in the home is the leading risk factor for heat stress deaths
- Black New Yorkers are more likely than other New Yorkers to die from heat, both directly and as a result of worsening an underlying condition
“Climate change is making our summers hotter and deadlier,” Dr. Ashwin Vasan, New York City Commissioner of Health. “The risks to our planet pose risks to our health in part because heat is the deadliest of all extreme weather events in the United States and New York City. As a city, we are stepping up our work to keep New Yorkers safe during And the things we do to advance sustainability as a city, as a country, and as individuals can be lifesaving.”
“We mourn these needless deaths and work daily to provide New Yorkers with awareness and resources to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Heat should not claim a single life. New Yorkers should prepare for heat with the same seriousness as we prepare for emergencies like hurricanes, flash floods or snowstorms.”
The city has several ways to help you beat the heat. You can read more about this here our tips to protect yourself and your pet during prolonged heat.
