Dear Neighbor,

A record-breaking extreme heatwave is likely to hit New York City early next week. After an unseasonably cool and wet June, we have gotten used to more comfortable temperatures. But next week will likely see temperatures rising into the high 90s, even past 100 degrees on Monday and Tuesday.

Coupled with high humidity, these temperatures can be extremely dangerous for vulnerable people, like children and older adults, and those working outside or in locations without air conditioning.

I urge everyone to take this and future heat waves seriously - as a result of climate change there will be many more of them, and they will be increasingly severe. See below for useful information about how to prepare. I also encourage everyone to check in with neighbors and family members who may be at risk, both before and during the heat wave.

Also below is a reminder about Early Voting and Primary Election Day - since Tuesday is likely to be the hottest day, I advise everyone to take the opportunity to vote early this weekend.

Liz Krueger

State Senator

Prepare For Extreme Heat

Extreme heat kills. More than 500 New Yorkers died prematurely last year from preventable heat illness. If you're elderly or have other health conditions like heart disease or asthma, among other factors, you're at even higher risk.

Extreme heat is a serious threat in New York City, and New Yorkers need to be extra careful during hot summer months. Extreme heat means high heat and humidity with temperatures that are much higher than normal (10 degrees or more) lasting for several days.

It is important to understand your risk to extreme heat and make a heat emergency plan that works for you and your family. 

What to Do Before Extreme Heat

Know the Signs of Heat Illness

Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature rises quickly, which can lead to death. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you or someone you know has the following symptoms

• Hot, dry skin
• Confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation
• Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Fast, strong pulse
• Weakness
• Dizziness

People suffering from heat exhaustion need to get to a cool place, remove extra clothes and drink lots of water. Symptoms to look for:

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, clammy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Lightheadedness or feeling faint
• Headache
• Decreased energy
• Loss of appetite or nausea

Understand Your Risk and Make A Plan

• Talk with your doctor about your risk to extreme heat. Different conditions can raise your risk.  
• Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe during extreme heat. Don't have an air conditioner? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide you with a free one. Applications are open until 06/23/2025.
• If you do not have air conditioning, plan to visit a family, friend, or neighbor’s home or find a free public place such as a coffee shop, mall, or public atrium you can spend time in during the day that as air conditioning. View our 24/7 map of cool options and be sure to call locations ahead of time before heading out.

HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit

Application Deadline Is Monday

New York State has announced the 2024-2025 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Component benefit is closing on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 5:00pm. All applications submitted online via ACCESS HRA, or postmarked and received on or before the deadline will be processed. Households are encouraged to submit an application prior to Monday's deadline. 

If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool. In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.

Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

You may be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if:

• Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted here, or
• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
• You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
• You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), or
• You received a Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year or received a Regular benefit equal to $21 during the current program year and reside in government subsidized housing with heat included in your rent, and
• Your household contains at least one individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat, or
• Your household contains a vulnerable member based on their age (elderly age 60 years or older, or young children under age 6) which meet all other component eligibility criteria, and
• A member of your household is a United States Citizen or Qualified Non- Citizen, and
• You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
• You did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years.

Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.

Getting the air conditioner installed

The participating Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendor list can be obtained by accessing the HEAP Participating Vendor List. Select your county of residence, “Cooling” as the fuel type, and press “Go”. It will be your responsibility to maintain the air conditioner. This includes the responsibility to remove, cover, store, and/or reinstall the unit or the installation sleeve after vendor installation.

Where to apply

You may apply for the HEAP Cooling Assistance with your HEAP Local District Contact. New York City Residents may also apply for the HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit online by visiting ACCESS NYC. 

NYC Primary Elections

We have an important Primary Election coming up in New York City on June 24th. Primaries will be held for mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president, and city council.

Early voting runs through Sunday, June 22nd.

For more information about the election, go to nycvotes.org, and click here for information about the televised debates for citywide offices. The debates have all passed, but video of all the previous debates is available to view.

And remember, all primaries use Ranked Choice Voting - simply rank your preferred candidates in the order of your preference. You can rank up to five, though you don't have to. If you don't like someone, you don't have to rank them. Click here for more info on Ranked Choice Voting.

To find your Early Voting and Election Day Poll sites, and see a sample ballot, enter your address here.