Hochul activates National Guard, Emergency Operations Center for heatwave

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Gov. Kathy Hochul activated the state Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates information and resources to help soften the blow of the heatwave smothering New York into the weekend. After a scorcher on Monday, Hochul also activated 50 members of the New York National Guard ahead of four more days of toasty temperatures.

With the potentially record-breaking extreme heat event already underway, Hochul included a list of cooling stations statewide in her announcement Tuesday morning. She said that Western, Central, and Northern New Yorkers and those in the Capital Region should expect the worst. She said that highs will probably peak Tuesday through Thursday, though it’s likely to feel like it’s over a hundred degrees through Friday.

A spokesperson from New York’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services warned that a heatwave in June, early in the season, will not feel like a heatwave in August, with your body acclimated to high temperatures. The rapid ramping up with nights that provide no relief means that the effects will accumulate.

The state’s Home Energy Assistance Program gives air conditioners to New Yorkers based on factors like income level or residents’ medical conditions or ages. You can apply for the cooling assistance benefit in person, by phone, or online if you live in New York City.

The New York Independent System Operator—non-profit regulator of the state’s electric grid—said there should be plenty of electricity to meet the forecasted demand. They provided a baseline peak demand for the next four days:

• Tuesday: 27,900 megawatts
• Wednesday: 28,050 megawatts
• Thursday: 28,900 megawatts
• Friday: 28,200 megawatts

The legislative session just ended at the Capitol with the HEAT Act (S2016B/A4592B) failing to advance in the Assembly. The bill would have capped energy costs for New Yorkers—like running air conditioners for 125 hours straight in hundred-degree weather—at 6% of their income, a major relief as heatwaves become more commonplace.

According to CDC data, extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. Heat stroke represents the most serious risk, so call 911 if someone’s body temperature goes above 105 degrees, if they have a rapid pulse, rapid or shallow breath, or if they’re confused or lose consciousness.

Other ways to lessen the effects of heat-related issues may seem obvious. Drink water, take breaks, stay in the shade, circulate stuffy air, use cold compresses, or take a cold bath. Hochul also warned against leaving kids or pets in the car.