During heat emergencies (days that the temperature is predicted to be extremely hot), when our apartments seem stuffy and too hot to stand, New York City provides special "Cooling Centers," which are air-conditioned spaces that are open to the public as a place to cool down. These places include public community centers, senior centers, and public libraries.

These places are especially important for people who are at risk for heat-related illness. Heat-related illness happens when the body cannot cool itself down. When the body cannot keep cool, the brain and other parts of your body can be damaged which can cause sickness and even death.

Heat-related illness happens as a result of the hot weather.

People who are at a higher risk for heat-related illness include:
• People 65 and older or younger than 4 years old
• People who have chronic medical conditions (such as congestive heart failure, diabetes or emphysema).
• People who have mental health conditions (such as dementia, Alzheimer's, or schizophrenia).
• Those who take certain medications that keep the body from cooling down.
• People who are unable to leave the house or are confined to bed.
• Obese people.
• Those who work in hot environments.

To locate a cooling center near you during a heat emergency, call 311 or go to their online Cooling Center Locater.