Heat-Related Illness
Heat-Related Illness
helpNYC Alerts - Extreme Heat Advisory
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The following information is provided as a guide to heat-realated illness.
This page is not medical guidance. It is a public information reference for educational purposes only.
If you're in danger or are becoming sick, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
The information on this page is provided by:
City of New York, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
City of New York, Office of Emergency Management
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Natural Disasters and Severe Weather Unit
About Heat-Related Illness
About Heat-Related Illness
What is Heat-related Illness?
What is Heat-related Illness?
Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Who is Most at Risk?
Who is Most at Risk?
Older adults, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness. Use this website to learn more on how to stay safe in the heat this summer, including how to prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related illness.
Heat-Related Illness Warning Signs and Symptoms
Heat-Related Illness Warning Signs and Symptoms
Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
High body temperature (103°F or higher)
Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
Fast, strong pulse
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Losing consciousness (passing out)
WHAT TO DO
Call 911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergency
Move the person to a cooler place
Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
Do not give the person anything to drink
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Exhaustion
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Heavy sweating
Cold, pale, and clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Tiredness or weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Fainting (passing out)
WHAT TO DO
Move to a cool place
Loosen your clothes
Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
Sip water
Get medical help right away if:
You are throwing up
Your symptoms get worse
Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour
Heat Cramps
Heat Cramps
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Heavy sweating during intense exercise
Muscle pain or spasms
WHAT TO DO
Stop physical activity and move to a cool place
Drink water or a sports drink
Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity
Get medical help right away if:
Cramps last longer than 1 hour
You’re on a low-sodium diet
You have heart problems
Sunburn
Sunburn
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Painful, red, and warm skin
Blisters on the skin
WHAT TO DO
Stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals
Put cool cloths on sunburned areas or take a cool bath
Put moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas
Do not break blisters
Heat Rash
Heat Rash
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin (usually on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases)
WHAT TO DO
Stay in a cool, dry place
Keep the rash dry
Use powder (like baby powder) to soothe the rash
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