Extreme Heat and Severe Weather Expected Across New York State
Home Care Providers Should Prepare for Prolonged Heat Through Friday
Home care provider agencies should prepare for a prolonged period of dangerous heat and potentially severe weather expected across New York State beginning Tuesday, July 14, and continuing through Friday, July 17.
According to the New York State Department of Health (DOH), daytime temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s, with heat index values (“feels like” temperatures) approaching 105°F in many areas. Overnight temperatures will remain elevated, providing little relief. Severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, frequent lightning, localized flooding, and power outages are also possible throughout the week. Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Watches have been issued for portions of the state.
Operational Preparedness for Home Care Providers
Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSAs) should review emergency preparedness procedures and assess operational readiness. Consider:
- Reviewing your Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), including communication, transportation, and continuity of operations procedures.
- Confirming that emergency contact information, communication systems, backup power, and other critical infrastructure are current and functioning properly.
- Evaluating staffing plans and contingency coverage should severe weather or power outages disrupt travel or patient care.
- Reinforcing communication procedures with field staff regarding weather conditions, travel disruptions, scheduling changes, and patient status updates.
- Limiting unnecessary outdoor activity for both patients and staff during peak afternoon heat whenever possible.
- Reporting any significant disruptions to services or infrastructure to the Department’s State Medical Operations Coordination Center (SMOCC) as required by calling 917.909.2676.
Prioritize High-Risk Patients
Agencies should identify patients who may require additional monitoring during the heat event, particularly those who:
- Do not have reliable air conditioning.
- Depend on electricity for medical equipment.
- Live alone or have limited mobility.
- Are older adults or have chronic medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, respiratory disease, or neurological disorders.
- Take medications that may impair hydration or the body’s ability to regulate temperature, such as diuretics, beta blockers, certain blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, or psychotropic medications.
Reinforce Heat Safety During Patient Visits
Home care staff should use each patient encounter as an opportunity to reinforce heat safety. Encourage patients and caregivers to:
- Stay in an air-conditioned environment whenever possible. Fans alone are not sufficient during periods of extreme heat.
- Drink plenty of fluids, unless medically restricted.
- Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours.
- Monitor for signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
- Seek immediate medical attention for confusion, loss of consciousness, or other symptoms of heat stroke.
- If air conditioning is unavailable, use a community cooling center or another air-conditioned public location such as a library, shopping center, or supermarket.
Stay Informed
Providers should continue monitoring changing weather conditions throughout the week and keep patients and staff informed of any developments. Patients and caregivers are encouraged to sign up for local emergency alerts and identify nearby cooling centers before temperatures peak.
