Attorney General James Sues Syracuse Landlord for Failing to Properly Address Lead-Based Paint Hazards

 

William D’Angelo Repeatedly and Persistently Violated Lead Safety Laws at His Rental Properties, Where at Least 15 Children Were Poisoned by Lead

Lawsuit is Second Action Taken by AG James This Month to Address Lead Paint Hazards in Syracuse

New York Attorney General Letitia James, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh today filed a lawsuit against William D’Angelo and his company Marpat LLC for repeatedly and persistently violating lead safety laws at nearly two dozen rental properties in Syracuse. Over the past seven years, there were 336 violations of lead safety laws at 22 different properties owned by D’Angelo. At least 15 children, 10 of them children of color, were poisoned by lead while living at these properties.

In the complaint filed today, Attorney General James, County Executive McMahon, and Mayor Walsh seek to require D’Angelo to pay thousands in restitution to the impacted families in addition to substantial penalties, and to disgorge all ill-gotten profits, such as rent payments. They are also seeking an order to stop D’Angelo’s harmful housing practices and require him to resolve all existing lead paint-related violations, conduct regular inspections of lead conditions within his properties, and implement proper safety measures moving forward.

“In Syracuse and throughout New York, children of color suffer the irreversible health effects of lead exposure at disproportionate rates,” said Attorney General James. “William D’Angelo violated more than our lead safety laws — he violated tenants’ trust and put families in danger. I will continue to fight to protect our children from lead poisoning by holding neglectful landlords accountable for their roles in exacerbating this public health crisis.”

Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious and irreversible adverse health effects. Children who have been exposed to even very low levels of lead are at risk for neurological and physical problems during critical stages of early development. Children under the age of six are more likely to be exposed to lead than any other age group, as their normal behaviors have resulted in chewing lead paint chips and breathing in or swallowing dust from old lead paint that gets on floors, windowsills, and hands.

Lead-based paint in residential housing is a pervasive problem in Syracuse because 81 percent of the housing stock was built before lead-based paint was banned in New York in 1970. Lead poisoning in Onondaga County is highest among children of color, the majority of whom live in Syracuse. In 2022, 510 children in Onondaga County had elevated levels of lead in their blood, and 90 percent of those children lived in Syracuse. More than 11 percent of the Black children tested in 2021 had elevated blood lead levels, compared to just two percent of white children tested.

Over the last 30 years, D’Angelo has owned and managed at least 48 rental properties with at least 116 individual rental units in Syracuse. According to city and county records, all of D’Angelo’s rental properties were built prior to 1940, and therefore are all presumed to contain lead-based paint. Most of these properties are in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

Since 2016, at least 22 of D’Angelo’s properties have been cited for conditions conducive to lead poisoning. Despite being cited numerous times for hundreds of lead-based paint violations, D’Angelo did not properly address these hazards at his properties. D’Angelo consistently failed to enforce lead-safe work practices and often employed untrained, uncertified workers to perform renovations, resulting in the creation and dispersal of lead-containing dust and paint chips in living areas. D’Angelo further violated lead safety regulations by refusing to disclose information about lead hazards related to renovations and the deteriorating state of the buildings to residents and potential tenants.

The complaint alleges that D’Angelo’s repeated and persistent violations of lead safety laws caused at least 15 children to be poisoned by lead while living at his properties. With this lawsuit, Attorney General James is seeking full disgorgement of all ill-gotten profits, such as rent payments received, and penalties of up to $5,000 for every false or misleading lead disclosure D’Angelo provided to tenants. Attorney General James is also seeking thousands of dollars in restitution for the families of every child poisoned by lead while living at a D’Angelo property.

The lawsuit also seeks robust injunctive relief to swiftly identify and eliminate lead paint hazards at all D’Angelo's properties in an order that would require D’Angelo to:

• Immediately correct all existing lead paint-related violations cited by the city or county that are past their respective deadlines;
• Require a lead-based paint risk assessment at each of D’Angelo’s residences through a third-party Environmental Protection Agency certified risk assessor approved by OAG; 
• Create a Lead Safe Work Plan for removing and/or remediating all conditions conducive to lead poisoning following the inspection;
• Promptly make any renovations necessary using EPA certified lead-based paint professionals and properly trained and certified workers; and
• Hire an independent monitor to supervise and report to OAG on the defendants’ compliance.

Attorney General James thanks Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse for their close collaboration and partnership on this matter. 

This lawsuit is the latest in Attorney General James’ efforts to hold landlords and property managers accountable for violating childhood lead poisoning prevention laws in New York. Last week, Attorney General James filed a lawsuit against Syracuse landlord Todd Hobbs for repeated and persistent violations of lead safety laws at more than a dozen rental properties. Attorney General James also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction against Hobbs, seeking to stop him from selling off his properties while litigation is pending.

In June 2022, Attorney General James shut down Syracuse landlord John Kiggins and his company, Endzone Properties, Inc., for repeatedly violating lead paint laws and failing to address lead paint hazards, which resulted in the lead poisoning of 18 children living in Endzone properties in Syracuse. In March 2023, Attorney General James sued Buffalo landlord Farhad Raiszadeh for repeated and flagrant violations of lead safety laws at dozens of properties in East Buffalo. In November 2022, Attorney General James secured $5.1 million in restitution and penalties to fund ongoing childhood lead poisoning prevention programs administered by the City of Buffalo and Erie County, as a result of a September 2020 lawsuit against a group of individuals and companies in the Buffalo region for illegally allowing lead paint-related hazards to proliferate in their rental properties. In March 2022, the Attorney General led a multistate coalition in calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen protections against lead poisoning, particularly for children living in low-income communities and communities of color. In September 2021, Attorney General James announced an agreement in her lawsuit against Chestnut Holdings of New York, Inc., a property management corporation, over its failures to protect children from lead paint hazards in New York City. Also in September 2021, Attorney General James reached a pre-suit agreement with A&E Real Estate Holdings, LLC to ensure that children living in its New York City apartments are protected from dangerous lead-based paint.

Governor Hochul Urges Caution as Excessive Heat Warning Now in Effect With Unhealthy Temperature Levels Expected in Many Regions of New York State

 

Heat Index Value, or “Feels Like” Temperature, Forecast to be in the 100s for Lower Elevation Areas Through Friday

Excessive Heat Warning Issued for New York City Thursday Morning Through Friday Evening

Long Island and Parts of Many Upstate Regions Under Heat Advisory

State Parks Offering Extended Hours at Swimming Facilities Across the State

Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorkers to Prepare for Extreme Weather Conditions and Know Your Nearest Cooling Center

 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to take caution as extreme heat conditions remain in the forecast for much of the state Thursday and Friday, with heat index values — or “feels like” temperatures — expected between the mid-90’s and into the 100’s. The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for New York City beginning late Thursday morning that lasts through Friday evening, as heat indices are currently forecast to reach 105 degrees or more during that time period. The Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions will also see heat indices in the triple digits beginning Thursday and, on Friday, many upstate regions will see indices near 100 degrees. Governor Hochul encouraged New Yorkers to prepare for two straight days of high temps and humidity throughout the state.

"New Yorkers should take every precaution they can over these next few days to stay cool and stay safe as the combination of extreme heat and humidity will pose a significant health risk for vulnerable New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. "My administration will be closely monitoring the weather impacts and we encourage New Yorkers to stay hydrated, have a plan if you need to cool off and look after our vulnerable neighbors and loved ones during this time."

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Apparent temperatures in the triple digits are dangerous for vulnerable populations and those outside for extended periods of time. Take every precaution you can to stay safe these next few days and reconsider outdoor activities if you are sensitive to heat and humidity.

New Yorkers are encouraged to monitor their local weather forecast for the most up-to-date information. For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.

New Yorkers can visit the Department of Health’s website for an updated list of Cooling Centers, which are submitted by local health departments and local emergency management offices.

The New York State Department of Health also reminds New Yorkers that heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, yet annually many people suffer from the effects of extreme heat. Some individuals are at a higher risk for heat-related illness than others. New Yorkers should learn the risk factors and symptoms of heat-related illness to protect themselves and those they love.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Hot, dry, red skin
• A rapid pulse
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• A body temperature higher than 105 degrees
• Loss of alertness, confusion, and/or loss of consciousness

Heat Safety Tips

To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat, follow the below guidance and visit the DHSES Heat Safety Tips webpage.

Be Prepared

Taking precautions to avoid heat exhaustion is important, and this includes adjusting your schedule to avoid the outdoors during the hottest hours of the day and modifying your diet and water intake when possible. To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat, follow the below guidance and visit the DHSES Heat Safety Tips webpage.

• Reduce strenuous activities and exercises, especially during peak sunlight hours.
• Exercise should be conducted early in the morning, before 7 a.m.
• Eat less protein and more fruits and vegetables. Protein produces and increases metabolic heat, which causes water loss. Eat small meals but eat more often. Do not eat salty foods.
• Drink at least two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• If possible, stay out of the sun and stay in air conditioning. The sun heats the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a public building with air conditioning.
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head.
• When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body.
• Never leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked vehicle, especially during periods of intense summer heat. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill within a matter of minutes.
• Try to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are elderly, have young children or have individual needs. Make sure there is enough food and water for your pets.
• Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. Call 911 if you or someone you know shows signs or symptoms of heat illness, including headache, light headedness, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

Conserve Electricity

NYSERDA recommends taking smart steps to reduce energy use, particularly during periods of peak demand, not only helps to lower the state's peak load but also saves consumers money when electricity is the most expensive. To reduce energy use, particularly during peak periods, the public is encouraged to take some of the following low- or no-cost energy saving measures:

• Close drapes, windows, and doors on your home's sunny side to reduce solar heat buildup.
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home and use a timer to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Use advanced power strips to centrally "turn off" all appliances and save energy.
• Fans can make rooms feel 10 degrees cooler and use 80 percent less energy than air conditioners.
• If purchasing an air conditioner, look for an ENERGY STAR qualified model, which uses up to 25 percent less energy than a standard model.
• Set your air conditioner at 78 degrees or higher to save on your cooling costs.
• Place your air conditioner in a central window, rather than a corner window, to allow for better air movement.
• Consider placing the unit on the north, east or the best-shaded side of your home. Your air conditioner will have to work harder and use more energy if it is exposed to direct sunlight.
• Seal spaces around the air conditioner with caulking to prevent cool air from escaping.
• Clean the cooling and condenser fans plus the coils to keep your air conditioner operating efficiently and check the filter every month and replace as needed.
• Use appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and ovens early in the morning or late at night. This will also help reduce humidity and heat in the home.
• Use energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs instead of standard incandescent light bulbs, and you can use 75% less energy.
• Microwave food when possible. Microwaves use approximately 50% less energy than conventional ovens.
• Dry clothes on a clothesline. If using a clothes dryer, remember to clean the dryer's lint trap before every load.
• Be mindful of the different ways you're consuming water throughout your home. Instead of using 30 to 40 gallons of water to take a bath, install a low-flow showerhead, which uses less than 3 gallons a minute.
• Lowering the temperature setting on your wash machine and rinsing in cold water will reduce energy use.
• Additional tips on how to conserve energy are available on NYSERDA's website here.

Water Safety

• Adult Supervision. This is the number one way to prevent drowning. Never leave a child unattended in or near water, and always designate a Water Watcher. This person should not be reading, texting, using a smartphone, drinking alcoholic beverages, or otherwise distracted.
• Choose bright colors. Studies show the color of one's bathing suit can make a difference in visibility. Consider the color of your child's swimsuit before heading to a pool, beach or lake. For light-bottomed pools, neon pink and neon orange tend to be the most visible. For lakes and dark-bottomed pools, neon orange, neon green and neon yellow tend to be the most visible.
• Identify swimmers in need of help. While we tend to think that swimmers in trouble will be waving their hands and making lots of noise, this may not always be the case. Watch out for people whose heads are low in the water (mouth submerged) or tilted back with mouth open, eyes closed or unable to focus, legs vertical in the water, or who are trying to swim but not making progress.
• Swimming Lessons. Multiple studies show swimming lessons prevent drowning. Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim.

Open Water Safety

• Wear Life Jackets. Put life jackets on kids anytime they are on a boat or participating in other open water recreational activities. Personal flotation devices should always be used for children that do not know how to swim. New York state law requires that children under 12 wear a Coast Guard-approved life vest on a boat or water vessel. For more information on proper life jackets, go to the United States Coast Guard site.
• Choose a spot on the beach close to a lifeguard and swim only when a lifeguard is on duty.
• Watch for warning flags and know what they mean. Green flags usually mark designated swimming areas - be sure to swim between the green flags. Yellow flags may denote a surfing beach or an advisory. Red flags indicate a danger or hazard, and no one should swim when they are shown. Flag designations may vary so be sure to understand the color coding before you dive in.
• Watch out for rip currents. Rip currents are powerful currents moving away from shore. They tend to form near a shallow point in the water, such as a sandbar, or close to jetties and piers and can happen at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes! They are the number one hazard for beachgoers and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. If you are caught in a rip current, try to remain calm and don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, and float or tread water if you begin to tire. More from the National Weather Service: Break the Grip of the Rip!
• Beware of large waves and strong surf. Ocean swimming is different from swimming in a calm pool or lake. Large waves can easily knock over an adult. Be prepared for strong surf as well as sudden drop-offs near the shore.

Pool Safety Tips

• Put Up Barriers. Install appropriate safety barriers around in-home pools and spas. This includes fences, gates, door alarms and covers.
• Pool Alarms. Install a pool alarm to detect and provide notification of unattended pool access.
• Small Pools. Drain and put away smaller portable pools when not in use.
• Cover Drains. Keep children away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid them getting stuck. Children's hair, limbs, jewelry or bathing suits can get stuck in a drain or suction opening. Also, ensure any pool and spa you use has drain covers that comply with federal safety standards, which include drain shape, drain cover size, and rate of water flow. Learn more here.

Thoroughbred Racehorse Trainer Jason Servis Sentenced To Four Years In Prison

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that defendant JASON SERVIS was sentenced to four years in prison today for his role in a years-long scheme in which horses trained by SERVIS were doped with approved and unapproved drugs designed to improve the performance of SERVIS’s racehorses, in connection with the charges filed in United States v. Navarro et al., 20 Cr. 160 (MKV).  SERVIS was one of over 30 defendants charged in four separate cases in March 2020, each arising from this Office’s multi-year investigation of the abuse of racehorses through the use of performance enhancing drugs (“PEDs”).

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This sentence sends a clear signal to those in the racehorse industry that no one is above the law.  Endangering the welfare of animals for profit will not be tolerated.  Illegally doping racehorses is a serious crime that will be met with a serious sentence.”

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment, the Superseding Information charging SERVIS, prior charging instruments, other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings:

 The charges in the Navarro case arose from an investigation of widespread schemes by racehorse trainers, veterinarians, PED distributors, and others to manufacture, distribute, and receive adulterated and misbranded PEDs and to secretly administer those PEDs to racehorses competing at all levels of professional horseracing.  By evading PED prohibitions and deceiving regulators and horse racing officials, participants in these schemes sought to improve race performance and obtain prize money from racetracks throughout the United States and other countries, including in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Kentucky, and Saudi Arabia, all to the detriment and risk of the health and well-being of the racehorses.  Trainers who participated in the schemes, like SERVIS, stood to profit from the success of racehorses under their control by earning a share of their horses’ winnings and by improving their horses’ racing records, thereby yielding higher trainer fees and increasing the number of racehorses under their control.

SERVIS obtained hundreds of bottles of the drug “SGF-1000,” which was compounded and manufactured in unregistered facilities and contained growth factors that the defendant believed to be undetectable through regular drug screens.  Virtually all the horses in SERVIS’s barn received that drug, including the thoroughbred racehorse “Maximum Security,” who crossed the finish line first at the 2019 Kentucky Derby.  SGF-1000 was an intravenous drug promoted as, among other things, a vasodilator capable of promoting stamina, endurance, and lower heart rates in horses through the purported action of “growth factors.”  SERVIS approved veterinary bills to racehorse owners that contained concealed charges for SGF-1000, which were falsely billed under the line item “Acupuncture & Chiropractic.”  In September 2019, the New York State Gaming Commission released an advisory stating that SGF-1000 was prohibited under the racing rules and had been prohibited since 2012.  SERVIS continued to allow the administration of that drug on the horses he trained up until his arrest in March 2020.

SERVIS-trained horses were also regularly administered the prescription drug “Clenbuterol” with no valid prescription, which was part of a deliberate effort to conceal that conduct from racing regulators and avoid mandatory reporting requirements.

SERVIS further obtained and transported a misbranded version of “Clenbuterol,” which he obtained from convicted co-defendant JORGE NAVARRO.

In addition to the prison term, SERVIS, 65, of Jupiter, Florida, was sentenced to one year of supervised release and ordered to pay $311,760 in forfeiture, $163,932 in restitution, and a $30,000 fine.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New York Field Office’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force and its support of the Bureau’s Integrity in Sports and Gaming Initiative.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Food and Drug Administration and Customs and Border Protection for their assistance and expertise.

Attorney General James Announces Opposition to Proposed Settlement with 3M Company for Contaminating Drinking Water

 

AG James Joins Bipartisan Coalition of 23 Attorneys General to Slam Settlement that Could Leave Taxpayers Liable for Corporate Pollution

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced her opposition to a proposed class action settlement with the 3M Company (3M) that fails to hold the company accountable for contaminating the drinking water of millions of Americans. Together with a bipartisan group of 22 other attorneys general, Attorney General James noted that under the proposed settlement, public water systems would withdraw the hundreds of lawsuits they have filed against 3M over its use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — commonly referred to as “PFAS” or toxic “forever chemicals” — in a wide range of consumer products and firefighting foams. The water systems would also have to withdraw their lawsuits without knowing what settlement funds they would receive from 3M. PFAS chemicals resist degradation in the environment and accumulate in the body. Health effects associated with exposure to them include kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, immune system effects, and other conditions.

“These toxic ‘forever chemicals’ have contaminated water supplies across the nation, including here in New York, and have caused devastating health problems,” said Attorney General James. “This proposed settlement would allow 3M to skirt responsibility for their pollution and could leave taxpayers on the hook for expensive cleanup efforts. New Yorkers have a basic right to clean drinking water, and I will not allow corporate polluters to avoid their responsibility to clean up their messes.”

States and municipalities have filed thousands of lawsuits against 3M and other companies in recent years for their role in PFAS pollution. PFAS chemicals tend to be persistent in the environment and have been used for decades as ingredients in fabrics, cosmetics, cookware, and more. According to the New York State Department of Health, PFAS have been detected in almost 40 percent of public drinking water supplies in the state, including 60 percent of systems serving more than 10,000 people. To date, New York has spent tens of millions of dollars on PFAS cleanup-related costs.

In the brief filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, the bipartisan, multistate coalition warns that the proposed settlement would apply to thousands of public water systems in the United States, even those that have not sued and those that have yet to test for the presence of PFAS in their water.

Eligible water systems would be bound by the proposed settlement unless they proactively opt-out, and would have to do so without knowing what settlement funds they could receive. Additionally, water systems would have to opt-out in many cases before knowing the extent of contamination in their water supplies and the ongoing cost of remediating a “forever chemical”. In return for waiving their claims, 3M would pay out $10.5 to $12.5 billion to water providers, an amount that may be worth far less or even exceed the recovery because certain provisions may require water providers to indemnify 3M.

For example, if a cancer cluster develops in a PFAS-impacted community and the victims sue 3M, 3M would likely be able to seek indemnity from the community’s public water supplier for any amount 3M owed to the victims. If the water system is unable to meet the obligation, this burden may fall upon taxpayers.

Joining Attorney General James in opposing the proposed settlement are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, as well as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Attorney General James has been a leader in fighting to protect New Yorkers' access to clean water and a clean environment. This past March, Attorney General James led a lawsuit with Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos against 29 New York companies for illegally dumping waste. In May 2022, Attorney General James brought a lawsuit against three New York City bus companies for violating city and state bus idling laws and causing significant air pollution. In May 2020, Attorney General James led a coalition of nine attorneys general to sue the Trump administration for limiting enforcement of environmental protection laws. In addition to joining this multistate coalition, Attorney General James led multistate coalitions calling on leaders in Congress to strengthen public health and environmental protections against PFAS chemicals in November 2021. Attorney General James also led a coalition in July 2019 urging Congress to pass legislation that would help states address and prevent future PFAS pollution.

A copy of the motion to intervene is available here and of the opposition here.  

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE URGE NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR MULTIPLE DAYS OF EXTREME HEAT

 

New York City will be under an excessive heat warning from Thursday, July 27, through Friday, July 28

 

Cooling centers are open across the city beginning Thursday, July 27. To find the nearest location, including hours of operation, call 311 or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder

(Cooling Center Finder will be activated Wednesday evening)

With high heat and humidity expected to affect New York City, The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are urging New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for New York City in effect on Thursday, July 27 at 11 a.m. through Friday, July 28 at 9 p.m. According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, temperatures are predicted to reach the upper 90s with heat indices of 104 degrees. The most intense conditions are predicted to hit on Friday. Indices are expected to be at Heat Advisory levels for Saturday, July 29. There is also a potential for thunderstorms to occur Saturday afternoon and evening. A cold front will bring temperatures down to the mid-80s on Sunday, July 30.

 

“New Yorkers should prepare for an excessive heat advisory in effect starting tomorrow until Saturday,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Let’s not underestimate the effects severe heat can have on us and our neighbors. As such, we will have our cooling centers opening to help New Yorkers stay cool. And our city’s resident can find additional ways to stay cool at NYC.gov/beattheheat. Make sure to check in on your elderly neighbors, drink water, and keep your pets hydrated.”

 

“We are expecting extreme heat to hit New York City, temperatures are predicted to reach the upper 90s with heat indexes above 105. It is imperative for New Yorkers to understand the potential dangers of high heat and humidity, which are among the deadliest weather emergencies we face in NYC,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Remember to take care of each other, stay hydrated, and if you are venturing outdoors, avoid strenuous activity and wear lightweight clothing.”

 

“Heat is a deadliest of all extreme weather events – both locally and nationally,” said Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Seek help if you feel symptoms like hot, dry or cold and clammy skin, confusion or disorientation, nausea and vomiting, trouble breathing, dizziness, weakness or a rapid heartbeat. Check on your neighbors, family, friends. People who are sick, elderly, or disabled often need greater assistance in a heat emergency. Make sure to drink lots of water and avoid drinks containing alcohol and caffeine. The days ahead are potentially dangerous, and we need to take care of ourselves.” 

 

To help New Yorkers beat the heat, on Thursday through Saturday, New York City will open cooling centers throughout the five boroughs. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder. The finder will be activated this evening Wednesday, July 26. New York City opens cooling centers when the heat index is forecast to be 95 degrees or above for two or more consecutive days, or if the heat index is forecast to be 100 degrees or above for any amount of time. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, individuals are reminded to stay at home if they are feeling sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.

 

New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. The City has also partnered with Petco to offer New Yorkers and their pets additional spaces to seek relief from the heat. All locations can be found on the City’s Cooling Center Finder. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers. 

 

In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner.

 

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department urge New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. For more information, including heat-related health tips and warning signs of heat illness, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat.

 

New York City's outdoor pools are open for the summer. All NYC Parks Intermediate and Olympic-sized outdoor pools will be extending their operation by one hour, and stay open until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in response to the heat advisory. Standard pool protocols apply—bring a bathing suit, towel, and lock to secure belongings. More information can be found at nyc.gov/parks/pools.

 

A citywide map of outdoor cooling options (including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more) can be found online at Cool It! NYC.

 

During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area. DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams who engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness to services and shelter.

 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT

 

• Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if you are not thirsty, rest in the shade, and watch out for others on your team. Your employer is required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when inside without air conditioning or outside.
• Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first speak with their doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
• Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, and window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and do not fall on someone below.
• Never leave your children or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.
• Visit a cooling center: Cooling Center Finder

 

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

 

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:

 

• Hot dry skin.
• Trouble breathing.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.

 

If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

 

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

 

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
• Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.

 

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

 

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fire safely and quickly.

 

Use “spray caps” to reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.

 

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

 

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death:

 

• Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”
• Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.
• Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.
• Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.
• If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.
• Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.

 

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY METRO REGIONS

 

In Effect for Thursday, July 27, 2023

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions for Thursday, July 27, 2023.

The pollutant of concern is:

• Ozone

The advisory is in effect 11:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m.

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.

OZONE
Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone isn't as visible as PM2.5 because it's a colorless gas, but it will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.

People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor.

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation.

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone).To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.

The Thursday, July 27, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties and New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties.