The Brian Lehrer Show Heat Emergency
Jun 23, 2025
Zach Iscol, NYC Emergency Management commissioner, shares vital insights on navigating extreme heat during New York City's record-setting temperatures. He highlights safety tips for staying cool and protecting vulnerable groups like the elderly and children. The conversation debunks myths about alcohol as a heat remedy and discusses emergency preparations for polling places. Iscol also outlines assistance programs and pet care tips, ensuring everyone knows how to cope with the heat safely.
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Essential Heat Safety Tips
- Take heat seriously as it kills more New Yorkers annually than any other weather event.
- Use air conditioning wisely, set thermostat to 78°F, avoid heavy appliance use during the day, and use cooling centers if no AC is available.
Classroom and Polling Place Cooling
- NYC has installed AC and fans in polling places and classrooms lacking air conditioning.
- Schools are monitored for temperature and equipped with backup generators to cope with power outages during the heat wave.
Avoid Alcohol to Stay Hydrated
- Avoid alcoholic beverages during extreme heat as they act as diuretics and increase dehydration risk.
- Stay hydrated with water to reduce heat-related illness risk.