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Heat Wave Preparedness Checklists for Mental Health Service Providers
Make Plans for Outreach During Heat Waves
During the spring, before it gets hot, flag consumers at highest risk for heat-related
illnesses based on lack of access to or unwillingness to use air conditioning, health
risks, current medications, ability to express thirst and obtain water for themselves, and
ability to communicate being hot or uncomfortable. Direct staff to assess and record:
Check those
that apply
Essential Questions
What to Do
Is there a working AC in the dwelling
unit?
If yes, encourage consumer
to use it during hot weather.
If he/she does not like using
AC, suggest a setting of
78°F (or low cool) to
provide a comfortable but
not cold environment.
If not working (does not
provide cooling to at least
78°F), or no AC at all, help
resident to procure working
AC if possible.
If AC cannot be procured,
help the consumer plan for
where to go to stay cool on
very hot days
If possible, encourage
consumer’s family and/or
contacts to plan to check in
on them during heat
emergencies.
Has the consumer received copies of
Keep Cool or Beat the Heat brochures?
If not, provide a copy (call
311 or search “Beat the
Heat” or “Keep Cool” on
NYC.GOV for more info).
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Monitor Vulnerable People During Heat Waves
During heat emergencies, check on at-risk consumers. Direct staff to maintain:
o A schedule for monitoring consumers
o A check list to document outreach and reinforce heat safety. Essential
items for the checklist include:
Check those
that apply
Essential Questions
What to Do
Is the consumer using his/her air
conditioner? (See below if no AC in
dwelling unit)
If not, assess reason and
provide assistance, (e.g.
explain importance,
demonstrate how to use it).
Note: If the person is using
a fan, put it in or next to an
open window. Do not use a
fan in a room with closed
windows. Warn consumer
that fans may not provide
enough protection in very
hot weather.
If no air conditioning in room or
apartment, is the consumer able to spend
some portion of the day in an air
conditioned space (e.g. common room in
building, cooling center nearby, other
public place)?
Remind and encourage
consumer to visit alternative
location, especially during
the hottest times of the day.
Is there enough water to drink?
Provide water and
encourage the person to
drink.
Is the person wearing too many clothes?
Encourage the person to
remove excess layers of
clothing.
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Signs of Heat Stress
Check those
that apply
Serious Signs
What to Do
Hot, dry skin OR cold, clammy skin (no
sweating)
Call 911. This is a medical
emergency.
While waiting for help, move
the person to a cool area.
Remove extra clothes. Use
water and a fan to cool the
person externally. Do not
give the victim fluids to drink.
Weakness, dizziness
Nausea and/or vomiting
Change in mental status including:
confusion, hallucinations, disorientation
Trouble breathing
Rapid, strong pulse
Unconscious or unresponsive
Check those
that apply
Warning Signs
What to Do
Headache
Get the person to a cool
place, encourage removal of
extra clothes. Give the
person water.
Decreased energy
Loss of appetite, nausea
Lightheadedness, feeling faint
Heavy sweating
Muscle cramps
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Helping Consumers to Prepare for Extreme Heat
During routine contacts, provide information and help consumers plan for hot weather.
Involve family and friends in preparation:
If an at-risk individual has an air conditioner, encourage them to USE IT during
periods of extreme heat. Many people prefer not to use their air conditioners,
either to save money or because they do not like cold air. Suggest tips to
conserve energy, such as using air conditioning in the room consumers spend
the most time in, closing off other rooms, and cutting down on light and other
electronics use. Advise consumers to set the air conditioner’s temperature at
78ºF. Check the air conditioner to make sure it is in good working condition,
clean the filter if needed, and insulate any spaces between the air conditioner
and window to make sure there is a tight fit.
If an at-risk individual does not have an air conditioner or access to a common
room on-site with air conditioning, discuss any other options they may have
during periods of extreme heat. Spending even a few hours in an air conditioned
environment can be beneficial. Help them identify public spaces nearby that they
can go to sit in air conditioning. Help them make a plan for how they will get to a
friend, neighbor or relative’s house, a library, shopping mall, or a Cooling Center
in their neighborhood (call 311, TTY: 212-504-4115, or visit www.nyc.gov/oem for
more information).
Advise consumers to wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Bathing or showering with
cool (not cold) water can be helpful for those able to do so safely.
Discuss medical conditions or medications that could increase risk during hot
weather. Many people do not realize they have a high risk of heat illness. If
necessary, check with the consumer’s doctor or advise consumers to do so
concerning precautions they should take during hot weather and whether self-
monitoring hydration (e.g. using bodyweight measurement to ensure they are
getting enough water) is recommended.
Remind consumers to drink plenty of water both outdoors and indoors, even if
they don’t feel thirsty, during hot weather, and to avoid strenuous activity. If they
are unable to communicate thirst, make sure they are given water at regular
intervals throughout the day.
Advise consumers that during periods of extreme heat, a fan alone may not be
enough to keep them cool. When the room temperature is in the high 90s or
above, fans will not prevent heat-related illness because they just blow the hot air
around. Fans may be useful when used in conjunction with an air conditioner or
at night to help circulate cooler air from open windows if air conditioning is not
used.
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Educate family and friends about symptoms of heat illness and prevention tips.
Encourage consumers to check in on family/friends/neighbors who may also
need help at least daily during heat waves.
Distribute the City’s “Beat the Heat” and “Keep Cool” brochures. Call 311 or
search “Beat the Heat” or “Keep Cool” on NYC.gov for more information.
.
Updated April 2013
