NY State EP Alert 7.29.2025|Air Quality and Heat Alert
Weather Alerts in Effect Statewide: Here’s What You Need to Know
New Yorkers are facing a combination of heat and air quality concerns this week, with statewide weather alerts and advisories in effect.
New York City and Long Island
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued air quality alerts that could affect home care patients and staff in New York City and Long Island through Friday. Ground level ozone is increasing with the summer heat, and air quality could reach unhealthy levels for sensitive individuals. The alerts are expected to be in effect through 11:00pm tomorrow, July 30, 2025.
Statewide
Heat advisories are in effect for many regions including the Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Capital District, Mid-Hudson, and the Long Island and NYC Metro areas.
Provider Guidelines
Vulnerable groups are urged to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and temperatures, avoid exertion outdoors, and note any symptoms or worsening health conditions.
Employers are advised to take steps to reduce the risks for vulnerable employees. HCP urges provider members to share this information with their clients, especially those with conditions such as cardiovascular and /or lung diseases, as well as conditions with increased hyperthermia risk. Children under 18, adults aged 65 and older, and pregnant people are also extra vulnerable to pollutants.
Information on the current regional AQI is available DEC’s AQI site. Air quality information by zip code is also available. DEC continues to monitor conditions and will update the forecast daily.
HCP encourages you to distribute the YouTube link for our Take 5 for Emergency Preparedness Series for home care, which includes a new video about air quality.
Air Quality Health Guidelines
For those who must travel outdoors for significant periods, properly fitted, high-quality masks help reduce exposure. An AQI greater than 100 indicates poorer air quality. Whenever possible, vulnerable individuals in areas with poorer air quality should keep windows closed or use a purifier or air conditioner with a high-efficiency filter. Elderly individuals and those with heart, lung, and other serious conditions should take particular care.
See the Department of Health webpage for more information on health precautions for poor air quality.
As these conditions may persist, any New Yorker experiencing new or worsening symptoms should consult their physician or seek immediate medical help. If experiencing symptoms of respiratory irritation while outside, like coughing, first go inside to find cleaner air.
Heat Guidelines
See last month’s state Department of Health (DOH/the Department) Health Advisory for provider recommendations to enact emergency plans for high heat days. Monitor weather conditions regularly to keep workers informed, and be sure caregivers keep patients informed of weather alerts at each shift.
More Information
We encourage all providers and patients to sign up for NY Alert, the state’s Mass Notification System used to warn citizens of emergencies and provide other critical information. Additionally, New York’s new Triple Three Triple Zero can provide increased awareness alerts via text using your zip code/s. Mobile phone users simply text their zip code to 333111 to receive up-to-the-minute weather alerts.
All licensed and regulated providers are reminded to report any disruption of services or infrastructure to the New York State Department of Health Surge Operations Center at (917) 909-2676.