Governor Hochul Announces Significant Progress in the Fight Against Gun Violence in Buffalo

 

Buffalo Police Department Reported a 73 Percent Decline in Firearm-Involved Homicides, 60 Percent Decline in the Number of Individuals Injured by Gunfire, and 59 Percent Decline in Shooting Incidents, When Comparing the First Half of 2023 to the Same Timeframe in 2021

Buffalo’s Reductions in Gun Violence During the First Six Months of This Year Far Exceeded Those Experienced by the 20 Police Departments Participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative, Build Upon Double-Digit Decreases Reported by Buffalo Police in 2022

Governor Hochul Also Announced $2 Million in New State Funding for Community-Based Organizations in Buffalo, One of Seven Cities Participating in New Program Designed to Strengthen Neighborhoods Affected by Gun Violence

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced significant progress in the fight against gun violence in the City of Buffalo. Data reported by the City's Police Department for the first half of 2023 when compared to the same timeframe in 2021 showed a 73 percent decline in the number of firearm-involved homicides; 60 percent decline in those injured by gunfire; and a 59 percent decline in shooting incidents. Buffalo’s reductions in gun violence during the first six months of this year led the 20 police departments that participate in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative and builds upon double-digit decreases in shooting incidents with injuries and individuals shot in 2022. Governor Hochul also announced $2 million in new state funding for community-based organizations in Buffalo, one of seven cities participating in a new program designed to strengthen neighborhoods affected by gun violence.

“From law enforcement officers to elected officials, ensuring public safety is a responsibility that falls on each of us,” Governor Hochul said. “We have made record-level investments to address the scourge of gun violence affecting our communities, and we’re extremely proud of the progress we’ve made in Buffalo and across our state – but there’s more work to be done. We won’t rest until gun violence is an afterthought and every New Yorker can live in the safe, peaceful community they deserve.”

Governor Hochul visited the Buffalo Police Department, where she outlined the city’s tremendous progress in fighting gun violence, as well as investments and actions she has taken to address the pandemic-era spike, including the creation of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns. Last year, the Buffalo Police seized the most guns since 2010: 956 guns, including 76 ghost guns. At the same time, police agencies across the state seized 10,427 illegal guns, a 65 percent increase when compared to 2019 (6,338 guns) and a 15 percent increase when compared to 2021 (9,088 guns).

During the first half of 2023, police agencies across the state seized 4,611 illegal guns – fewer than the same timeframe last year, but a 52 percent increase since 2019. New York State Police has seized 6 percent more guns in the first six months of this year and 166 percent more guns than the agency did in 2019.

January - June of Each Year	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Statewide Gun Seizures	3,032	2,819	4,285	5,424	4,611
New York State Police Gun Seizures	276	210	334	694	735

In Buffalo, there were 29 fewer individuals killed (11 vs. 40); 111 fewer persons shot (73 vs. 184); and 90 fewer shooting incidents with injury (63 vs. 153) during the first half of 2023 as compared to the first half of 2021, when pandemic-era gun violence peaked. These three key gun violence metrics in the city have been trending below the five-year average (2018 – 2022) since January 2023. Total homicides were down 62 percent in Buffalo from January 2023 – June 2023 when compared to the same period last year.

The Governor also highlighted double-digit decreases in gun violence for the first half of 2023, as reported by the 20 police departments currently participating in GIVE, and declines in shootings reported by the New York City Police Department this month.

Shooting incidents with injury in GIVE communities declined 28 percent (377 vs. 521), and the number of individuals shot decreased 26 percent (456 vs. 614) during the first half of 2023 as compared to the same timeframe in 2022. Both of these gun violence indicators have been trending below the five-year average (2018 - 2022) since January 2023. In addition, 48 fewer individuals (64 vs. 112, -43 percent) were killed by gun violence when comparing January through June 2023 with the same six-month period in 2022, and that indicator has been trending below the five-year average since March 2023. Gun violence also declined in New York City, though not as sharply as it did in Buffalo: a 28 percent decline in shooting victims and 27 percent decrease in shooting incidents through July 23, 2023.

Governor Hochul also announced that 16 community-based organizations in Buffalo have received $2 million in state funding through Project RISE, a new program to strengthen communities dealing with the long-term effects of gun violence. Administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, the funding is being shared equally among Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition, Metro Community Development Corporation – Devalan Grider Community Center, Open Buffalo, and VOICE Buffalo.

Those four organizations must use at least 25 percent of its funding to support grassroots organizations. A total of 16 organizations are receiving funding through that requirement: Be Elite, Inc., Bury the Violence, Candles in the SUN, Confident Girls Mentoring Program, Feed Buffalo, The Foundry, FruitBelt United, Full Circle, Galactic Tribe, Johnny B. Wiley, Massachusetts Avenue Project, P.E.A.C.E. Inc., Project Mona’s House, RAWTools Buffalo, REALTalk, and Unit Promise.

Governor Hochul secured $337 million – an increase of $110 million – in the FY24 Budget to support her comprehensive, multifaceted plan to target gun violence and violent crime, improve public safety, and strengthen communities. That plan includes, but is not limited to, the following funding, which also is administered by the Division of Criminal Justice Services:

• $36 million for GIVE. This record-level funding has allowed the state to expand the nationally recognized initiative to eight new police departments and four additional counties. As of July 1, 2023, GIVE funding now supports 28 police departments, and district attorneys' offices, probation departments, and sheriffs' offices in 21 counties outside of New York City hardest hit by gun violence and violent crime.

• $25 million for the state’s SNUG Street Outreach program, which operates in 14 communities and uses a public health approach to address gun violence: identify the source, interrupt its transmission, and treat those affected by ongoing exposure to violence.

• $16 million to support and expand the state's Crime Analysis Center Network. A new center is being established in New York City, bringing to 11 the number of centers in the network, which is supported by the state in partnership with local law enforcement agencies. The centers in Erie, Monroe, Onondaga and Albany counties were the first to be established; others are located in Broome, Franklin, Niagara, Oneida, Orange, and Suffolk counties. In 2022, staff at the centers responded to more than 66,000 requests for assistance from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, helping agencies solve murders, robberies, burglaries, gun crimes, and other serious cases.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state's criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook and Twitter.

CITY PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY CARETAKER CHARGED WITH STEALING NEARLY $6,000 IN CITY WAGES

 

Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced the arrest on Thursday, July 27, of a Caretaker with the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) on a charge of stealing time from the City, valued at $5,873 in wages. DOI’s investigation was prompted by NYCHA’s report of potential misconduct to DOI. The Office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is prosecuting the case. 

STEVEN MAESTRE, 32, of the Bronx, N.Y., is charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony. Upon conviction, a class D felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison. He was released on his own recognizance following his arraignment Thursday evening in Manhattan Criminal Court.

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “This City employee, as alleged, clocked in but didn’t work. He not only failed to serve the NYCHA residents in the development where he was assigned, he stole money and time from the City. I thank the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for their partnership on this investigation and NYCHA for referring this matter to DOI.” 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, “As alleged, this defendant defrauded our City when, instead of doing his job to help clean and maintain this NYCHA development, he simply went home. This conduct not only harms taxpayers, but it undermines the quality of life for public housing residents and the trust they have in city services. I thank DOI for their thorough investigation.” 

According to the criminal complaint, from November 13, 2022, to June 19, 2023, the defendant was employed by NYCHA as a Caretaker at Morris Houses Development in the Bronx and was scheduled to work a regular 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. shift, Monday through Friday and on alternate weekends, as well as a midnight shift from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on an as-needed basis. NYCHA caretakers are not permitted to leave the development where they are assigned while on duty, except during scheduled breaks, and are not permitted to work from remote locations.

On 19 separate occasions, the defendant was observed leaving his work location at Morris Houses, returning to his Bronx residence, and remaining at his residence during most of his scheduled shift. For example, on February 7, 2023, according to NYCHA’s timekeeping records, the defendant swiped in at Morris Houses in the Bronx at 7:52 a.m. and swiped out at 4:25 p.m. DOI observed MAESTRE at his residence at 11:20 a.m. on that date; and reviewed surveillance video that showed MAESTRE entering his residence at approximately 10:42 a.m. and remaining inside until 3:20 p.m. DOI also compared the defendant’s timesheets with surveillance video of the defendant’s residence during the relevant time period, which showed the defendant was not at work, and was at his residence, during his scheduled shifts. In total, as alleged, the defendant was paid approximately $5,873 in wages for time that he did not work. Paychecks for NYCHA employees are issued from NYCHA’s headquarters in Manhattan.

MAESTRE was hired as a City Seasonal Aide for NYCHA’s Bronx Floating Staff in June 2010, and was hired as a Caretaker in January 2011. He receives an annual salary of approximately $46,278 and will be suspended based on the arrest. 

DOI Commissioner Strauber thanked Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his staff for their partnership on this investigation, which was handled by Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Minogue of the Financial Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Hope Korenstein. Commissioner Strauber also thanked NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt and Board Chair Jamie Rubin for their cooperation on this investigation, and for NYCHA’s referral of the matter to DOI. 

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.   

Four Indicted for Money Laundering in Prolific Human Smuggling Network Takedown

 

A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Texas has returned a superseding indictment charging four defendants with conspiracy to launder money.

The new charges were filed against Erminia Serrano Piedra, aka Irma, aka Boss Lady, 32, of Elgin, Texas; Oscar Angel Monroy Alcibar, aka Pelon, 40, also of Elgin; Pedro Hairo Abrigo, 34, of Killeen, Texas; and Juan Diego Martinez-Rodriguez, aka Gavilan, 38, of Dale, Texas.

As alleged in the superseding indictment, the defendants conspired to engage in financial transactions designed to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of ill-gotten proceeds of illicit human smuggling and the unlawful harboring and transportation of undocumented aliens. The leaders of the organization allegedly recruited and used straw persons to accept human smuggling proceeds in their bank accounts and then transferred these proceeds to the leaders under the pretense of “work” payments for construction. The defendants also allegedly used businesses and business accounts to transfer the human smuggling proceeds. In addition, the defendants allegedly recruited individuals to accept human smuggling proceeds in the form of cash in exchange for checks from the recruited individuals’ business bank accounts.

The superseding indictment also notices the criminal forfeiture of three properties with values currently estimated at approximately $2.275 million, $515,000, and $344,000, as well as money judgments amounting to at least $2,945,027.

Three of the four defendants previously were charged with human smuggling in an indictment filed in the Southern District of Texas and unsealed on Sept. 13, 2022. That indictment was the culmination of a significant enforcement operation to disrupt and dismantle an alleged prolific human smuggling organization operating in Texas and elsewhere. That operation resulted in the arrests of 14 alleged human smugglers alleged to be members of a human smuggling organization led by Piedra that facilitated the unlawful transportation and movement of hundreds of migrants within the United States and harbored and concealed those migrants from law enforcement detection. The migrants were citizens of Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia, and they or their families allegedly paid members of the human smuggling organization to help them travel unlawfully to and within the United States. According to the indictment, the human smuggling organization used drivers to pick up migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border and transport them into the interior of the United States, often harboring them at “stash houses” along the way in locations such as Laredo and Austin, Texas. Drivers for the human smuggling organization allegedly hid migrants in suitcases placed in pickup trucks and crammed migrants in the back of tractor-trailers, covered beds of pickup trucks, repurposed water tankers, and wooden crates strapped to flatbed trailers. These methods allegedly placed the migrants’ lives in danger, because they were frequently held in confined spaces with little ventilation, which became overheated, and they were driven at high speeds with no vehicle safety devices. 

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas, and Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

HSI Laredo, along with Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector and Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG), led the investigation and received substantial assistance from HSI offices in Austin, San Antonio, Waco, and Corpus Christi, Texas; HSI New Orleans; HSI Gulfport, Mississippi; HSI Mobile, Alabama; HSI West Palm Beach, Florida; HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C.; CBP’s National Targeting Center; the U.S. Marshals Service; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations – Austin; and the Treasury Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture. Police departments in Laredo, Killeen, Elgin, and Round Rock, Texas; the Wiggins, Mississippi Police Department; the Bogalusa, Louisiana Police Department; the Webb County Constable’s Office; the Webb County District Attorney’s Office; sheriffs’ offices in Webb, Bastrop, and Caldwell Counties in Texas; sheriffs’ offices in Harrison, George, and Stone Counties in Mississippi; the Mobile County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office; sheriffs’ offices in Jefferson and Washington Parishes in Louisiana; the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; and the Louisiana State Police also provided substantial assistance. 

Trial Attorneys Christian Levesque and Angela Buckner of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), Trial Attorney Daria Andryushchenko of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from MLARS Financial Investigator Kelly O’Mara, the Criminal Division’s Office of Enforcement Operations’ (OEO) Electronic Surveillance Unit (ESU), and ESU Acting Deputy Chief Jessica Reid.

The indictments against these defendants were brought under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland created JFTA in June 2021 in partnership with DHS to strengthen the department’s overall efforts to combat these crimes based on the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA’s goal is to disrupt and dismantle those human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with a focus on networks that endanger, abuse or exploit migrants, present national security risks, or engage in other types of transnational organized crime.

Since its creation, JTFA has successfully increased coordination and collaboration between the Justice Department, DHS, and other interagency law enforcement participants, and with foreign law enforcement partners, including in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico; targeted those organizations who most significantly impact the United States; and coordinated significant smuggling indictments and extradition efforts in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 100 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; several dozen convictions; significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial asset forfeiture. JTFA is comprised of detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of New Mexico, District of Arizona, and Southern District of California. Numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division are part of JTFA, led by HRSP, and including the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, MLARS, OEO, the Office of International Affairs, and the Organized Crime and Gang Section. JTFA is made possible by substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Williamsbridge Gardens Brings 170 Affordable Homes to Northeast Bronx with On-Site Supportive Services Available For 85 Formerly Homeless Households

 

Williamsbridge Gardens Brings 170 Affordable Homes to the Northeast Bronx with On-Site Supportive Services Available for eighty-five formerly homeless households located at 713 East 211th Street in the Williamsbridge neighborhood of the Bronx. This Ninety One Million Dollar affordable housing is part of Governor Hochul's Twenty-Five Billion Dollar housing plan. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa  L. Gibson said that this represents a beacon of hope to 170 families. She added affordable housing is a right in New York city. The Bronx has been left behind for too long, but this is a borough of opportunities as she mentioned several new projects such as the New Metro North stations, the new plan for the Kingsbridge Armory, and Williamsbridge Gardens. BP Gibson concluded by saying "I want to lift up this borough". Local Councilman Kevin Riley was next to speak. He said as the council chair of City Council Zoning and Franchises Committee he sees many projects, but not in his district until now. He added that he is trying to improve the business district through housing like Williamsbridge Gardens. 

Alan Bell of B & B Urban Principal said that this would be the last supportive housing project that he has done over the past twelve years in New York, as he is moving on to Baltimore to help redevelop the Downtown Baltimore area. Then it was outside to the children's play area to cut the ribbon. 

From the outside what Williamsbridge Gardens looks like.  

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson says that more affordable housing like Williamsbridge Gardens is needed in New York City. Alan Bell of B & B Urban Principal is in the background. 

HRC Downstate Development Director Ron Karp speaks for Governor Kathy Hochul, as Alan Bell of B & B Urban Principal is in the Background.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson shows off the childrens slide area.

Councilman Kevin Riley joins BP Gibson in front of the slide to show off the Bronx X, and not the new symbol for the old Twitter.

Then it was time to cut the ribbon on the new Williamsbridge Gardens, as Community Board 12 Housing Chair Robert Hall joins Councilman Riley and Borough President Gibson in cutting the ribbon.

United States Obtains Consent Decree Against Manhattan Wholesale Food Distributor For Storing Over 40,000 Pounds Of Meat And Poultry In Rodent-Infested Warehouse

 

Defendants Admit Conduct and Enter into Consent Decree Prohibiting Future Violations

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Paul Kiecker, the Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA-FSIS”), announced that the United States has sued wholesale meat and poultry distributer YA FENG TRADING, INC., its owner and president LINMIN YANG, and its warehouse manager KONG PING NI (collectively, the “Defendants”) for storing more than 40,000 pounds of meat and poultry products in a rodent-infested warehouse and for other conduct violating the Federal Meat Inspection Act (“FMIA”) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (“PPIA”).  The U.S. has simultaneously entered into a Consent Decree with the Defendants, approved by the District Court, which bars YA FENG and YANG from further work under the FMIA and PPIA for a period of three years, requires all the Defendants to comply with the FMIA and the PPIA in any covered work, and imposes significant civil penalties for any future violations.  YA FENG ceased operating in December 2022 because of the risk of enforcement action relating to violations at issue in this case.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Federal law requires food distributers and retailers to ensure that their products are stored in sanitary, uncontaminated conditions.  As this lawsuit illustrates, this Office has no tolerance for actors who ignore their legal obligations at the expense of public health.”

USDA-FSIS Administrator Paul Kiecker said: “Our inspection personnel and investigators are on the job daily, verifying that establishments are complying with food safety regulations.  FSIS remains committed to public health and we will take swift action to protect American consumers.”                                      

The FMIA and the PPIA protect public health by ensuring the nation’s commercial supply of meat and poultry is sanitary, safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled and packaged.  These requirements allow consumers to have confidence in the safety of their meat and poultry products and permit public health officials to trace problems to their source.

According to the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court: 

The Defendants violated the FMIA and the PPIA by storing their meat and poultry products in a warehouse that was overrun with rodents.  In April 2022, USDA-FSIS investigators visited the YA FENG warehouse and observed multiple rodents scurrying into a walk-in cooler.  One rodent ran out of the cooler and up the leg of a USDA-FSIS investigator.  Chew marks were observed on meat and poultry products, and droppings were observed throughout the warehouse, including on the lids of products.  Rodent nesting materials and a dead mouse were found in a walk-in freezer. 

The Defendants also violated the FMIA and the PPIA repeatedly between December 2018 and April 2022 by offering for sale hundreds of pounds of misbranded meat and poultry products and by failing to maintain required records. 

In the Consent Decree, the Defendants admit and accept responsibility for, among other things, the following:

• On several occasions between December 2018 and April 2022, Defendants sold, transported, and/or offered for sale and/or transportation misbranded meat, meat food products, poultry, and/or poultry products, and/or failed to maintain records regarding their business transactions.  Specifically:
  • On or about December 13, 2018, YA FENG sold 20 pounds of misbranded chicken gizzards.
  • On or about January 28, 2020, YA FENG offered for sale and transportation 80 pounds of misbranded pork spare rib product and failed to maintain records that fully and correctly disclosed all business transactions involving meat in its business.
  • On or about November 9, 2020, and on other dates, YA FENG offered for sale and transportation five pounds of misbranded chicken gizzards and 117 pounds of misbranded meat products (pork spareribs, pork fat, pork feet).
  • On or about November 30, 2021, YA FENG offered for sale and transportation approximately 600 pounds of misbranded whole chickens, bone-in chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, and chicken leg quarters.
• On or about April 14, 2022, USDA-FSIS investigators visited the YA FENG warehouse facility and observed 43,771.75 pounds of meat and poultry products being held in insanitary, rodent-infested conditions.  Fresh and old rodent droppings were observed throughout the building, including in a walk-in freezer and walk-in cooler that held meat and poultry products.  Droppings were observed on the lids of meat and poultry product boxes and beneath pallets holding the products.  Some products had gnawing and chewing marks from rodents.  Rodent nesting materials and a dead mouse were found in the walk-in freezer.
• Also, on or about April 14, 2022, YA FENG offered approximately 280 pounds of misbranded poultry products for sale.

In the Consent Decree, the Defendants expressly admit and accept responsibility for having “repeatedly violated the FMIA and PPIA.”

The Consent Decree bars YA FENG and YANG from engaging in activity subject to the FMIA or PPIA for three years.  All Defendants must complete mandatory training and education in the FMIA and the PPIA before returning to this line of work while the Consent Decree remains in effect.  They are also prohibited from storing meat and poultry products in unsanitary conditions, selling or transporting any uninspected meat and poultry products that are required to be inspected and passed by the USDA, selling any mislabeled meat and poultry products, failing to keep records regarding meat and poultry product business transactions, and engaging in any other conduct that would violate the FMIA or the PPIA.  The Defendants are subject to additional sanctions, including civil monetary penalties and other relief, if they violate the provisions of the Consent Decree. 

Mr. Williams thanked the USDA-FSIS for its efforts on this matter. 

Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorkers to Take Steps to Prevent Heat-Related Illness and Dehydration as Unhealthy Temperatures Continue to Impact New York State

 

Second Day in a Row of Extreme Heat and Humidity, with “Feels Like” Temperature Nearing 100 Across the State

Excessive Heat Warning No Longer in Effect, As Majority of Counties in New York Currently Under a Heat Advisory

State Agencies Tracking Severe Weather Impacts on Saturday for Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island Regions, As Thunderstorms Could Cause Heavy Downpours and Power Outages

Governor Hochul Encourages New Yorkers to Visit their Local Cooling Center to Beat the Heat

 Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers that extreme heat and humidity continue to impact most of the state, and to take extra steps today and tomorrow to stay cool as heat index values — or “feels like” temperatures — are expected between 90 to 100 for the entire state. The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for most counties in the state, in effect through Friday evening for most of upstate, and in effect through Saturday evening for New York City and Long Island. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to take caution today and tomorrow as continued extreme heat pose serious health risks.

“We are approaching our second day of extreme heat across the state, and we are keeping a close eye on the New York City and Long Island area as dangerous conditions will continue through tomorrow,” Governor Hochul said. "Every New Yorker should take steps today to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay out of the sun for extended periods.”

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “It is going to be dangerously hot and humid today and into tomorrow in New York State, especially downstate. Please take extra steps today and tomorrow to ensure you, your loved ones and your pets are protected. Visit your local cooling center if you need a safe place out of the heat.”

State agencies are also tracking potentially severe weather in the forecast for downstate regions on Saturday as thunderstorms could cause heavy downpours and outages. 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.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises that summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, including ozone and fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100, when concentrations in outdoor air are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. An advisory is in effect for ozone for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions for today, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. More information about New York State Air Quality forecast is available here. To check current local air quality, go to airnow.gov.

New Yorkers can also 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

For more extreme heat advice from the Department of Health, visit their website here.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "The continued extreme heat impacting New York State this week is another reminder of the impacts of our changing climate on communities. DEC continues to coordinate with our State, city, and local partners to ensure New Yorkers have the information they need to prepare for extreme heat, and I encourage all New Yorkers to monitor local weather conditions and seek spaces to keep cool and stay safe.”

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “During these extreme temperatures, it’s vital to stay hydrated, and seek out air-conditioned spaces. It’s especially important for older adults and anyone who experiences chronic conditions to take basic precautions to keep cool and protect themselves against experiencing health issues, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, that are related to dangerous temperatures.”

Additional Agency Actions

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the weather forecast and communicating with local emergency managers across the state. The Division will coordinate any potential State agency response to aid local governments. The State's stockpiles are equipped to deploy resources, as needed, throughout impacted parts of the state.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Parks has facilities across the state where the public can go to cool off with swimming at pools and waterbodies or cooling off at spray grounds. A list of available State Parks swimming facilities is available here.

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.