Extreme Heat and Severe Weather Expected Across New York State
Home care provider agencies should prepare for a prolonged period of dangerous heat and potentially severe weather expected across New York State beginning today, Tuesday, June 30, and continuing through Friday, July 3.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), heat index values are forecast to exceed 105°F in many locations, with some areas approaching 110°F. In addition to the extreme heat, strong thunderstorms may bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and power outages.
Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Watches have been issued for portions of the state, and conditions may change rapidly throughout the week.
Operational Preparedness for Home Care Providers
Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSAs) should review emergency preparedness procedures and assess operational readiness. Agencies should consider:
- Reviewing your Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), including communication and transportation procedures.
- Identifying patients at highest risk, particularly those:
- without reliable air conditioning,
- dependent on electricity for medical equipment,
- with chronic medical conditions,
- who live alone or have limited mobility.
- Reinforcing communication procedures with field staff regarding weather conditions, travel disruptions, scheduling changes, and patient status updates.
- Confirming that communication systems, backup power, and other critical infrastructure are functioning properly.
- Evaluating staffing plans and contingency coverage should weather conditions disrupt travel.
- Encouraging staff and patients to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat.
Licensed and regulated providers should report any significant disruptions to services or infrastructure to the Department’s State Medical Operations Coordination Center (SMOCC) at (917) 909-2676.
Monitor Patients at Increased Risk
Many home care patients have multiple risk factors that increase the likelihood of heat-related illness.
Individuals at greatest risk include:
- Adults age 60 and older
- Individuals with obesity or limited mobility
- Patients with diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or chronic respiratory conditions
- Individuals with neurological disorders that impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature
- Patients with behavioral health conditions
- Anyone taking medications that interfere with hydration or thermoregulation
Medications that may increase heat-related risk include diuretics, beta blockers, certain blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, and psychotropic medications.
Providers serving pediatric or hospice patients should also note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating labeling for scopolamine patches to reflect an increased risk of hyperthermia.
Patient Guidance
Home care workers should reinforce heat safety during every patient visit.
Remind patients and caregivers to:
- Stay in an air-conditioned environment whenever possible.
- Drink plenty of fluids unless medically restricted.
- Limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Watch for signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
- Seek medical attention immediately for confusion, loss of consciousness, or other signs of heat stroke.
Fans alone are not sufficient protection during periods of extreme heat. Patients without air conditioning should be encouraged to use community cooling centers or other air-conditioned public spaces such as libraries, shopping centers, or supermarkets.
Cooling Resources
- New York City: Residents can call 311 or use the City’s Cooling Center Finder when activated during heat emergencies.
- Rest of New York State: The NYSDOH Cooling Center Locator provides searchable locations across the state in multiple languages.
- New York’s Essential Plan Cooling Program provides qualifying Essential Plan members with free air conditioners for certain medical conditions.
Stay Informed
Providers should closely monitor changing weather conditions and ensure caregivers keep patients informed throughout the event.
Patients and staff are encouraged to sign up for:
- NY Alert, New York State’s emergency notification system.
- Triple Three Triple One: Text your ZIP code to 333111 to receive localized weather alerts by text message.
Additional Resources
For additional information, providers are encouraged to review:
- CDC Heat Health guidance for healthcare providers
- Department of Environmental Conservation information on extreme heat
- NYC Emergency Management heat preparedness guidance (for New York City providers)
