NYC Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit Newsletter – August 08, 2022

      Dear New Yorker,  

CAU joined Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayors, and Commissioners in attending National Night Out events citywide to present proclamations to local precincts. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the courageous women and men of the NYPD who put their lives on the line every day to safeguard 8.8 million New Yorkers from harm.  

This weekend, CAU joined Mayor Adams as he marched in the Ecuadorian Parade in Jackson Heights, Queens. We were proud to march with our Ecuadorian brothers and sisters to celebrate this special community.  

Last week, the federal government declared monkeypox a public health emergency. New York City will continue to get vaccines and treatment into the hands and arms of New Yorkers as quickly and equitably as possible. To learn more about monkeypox, please visit nyc.gov/monkeypox. Additional vaccination appointments continue to be posted – please sign up at vax4nyc.nyc.gov/patient/s/monkeypox or call 877-VAX-4NYC.  

For the latest updates, please follow CAU on Twitter and Facebook, and be sure to check out the Mayor’s ‘Week in Review’ video below!  


All the best,
Fred Kreizman
Commissioner, Community Affairs Unit          

Key Updates:    
Your Faith In Action 
Join us for a discussion bringing to light issues surrounding civics and faith as well as learning about the august primary. RSVP At  bit.ly/faithnyc  

Heat Advisory Issued Through Tuesday, August 9 High heat and humidity are in the forecast through Tuesday. A heat advisory is in effect until Tuesday at 8 p.m. 
On Monday, the heat index will be in the mid to upper 90s. On Tuesday, the heat index will be in the mid 90s to low 100s. There is a chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms until Wednesday. Wednesday should be cooler, with temperatures in the mid 80s.

Cooling Centers Open through Tuesday, August 9
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. Cooling centers located at older adult center sites will be reserved for older New Yorkers, ages 60 and older. 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.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 NYC Cooling Center Finder at NYC.gov/beattheheat.

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 which will be activated at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers. For real-time weather information, visit the National Weather Service.

Safety Tips
Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning.
Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.
Keep your pets safe, cool, and indoors. Give them plenty of water.
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.
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.
Never leave your children or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.

Know the 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.        

In case you missed it:     
  .@mayorsCAU joined @NYCMayor & Gov. Hochul for an announcement about a $70 million investment to decarbonize NYCHA buildings as part of the Clean Heat for All Challenge. This will support the Mayor’s goals of getting NYers into safe, high-quality, & affordable homes.
pic.twitter.com/1hClTwisGG
— Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (@mayorsCAU) August 4, 2022    

So nice to see @NYPDCommAffairs, TA President Andreas Tyre, & all the residents! @mayorsCAU #Brooklyn Borough Director had a great time attending the NYCHA #Gowanus Houses Family Day. pic.twitter.com/n4x7441Q0q
— Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (@mayorsCAU) August 4, 2022     T

oday @mayorsCAU & @NYCImmigrants marched in the #Ecuadorian Parade with @NYCMayor in #JacksonHeights, #Queens! 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/WgTuWdugf7
— Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (@mayorsCAU) August 7, 2022        

Highlights From the City Hall Press Office:      
$70 Million Investment to Decarbonize NYCHA: Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul announced that NYCHA, NYPA, and NYSERDA are moving forward with the Clean Heat for All Challenge through a planned $70 million initial investment in the development and production of 30,000 new heat pump units for use in NYCHA facilities. Heat pump technology provides efficient cooling and heating from a single unit by moving heat between the indoor and outdoor spaces depending on the season.
New Affordable Housing in Downtown Far Rockaway:
Mayor Adams marked the completion of two major projects transforming downtown Far Rockaway with 224 affordable homes and major infrastructure upgrades enhancing street safety, climate resiliency, and quality of life completed ahead of schedule.
Weekly Curbside Composting Coming to Queens:
Beginning October 3, all residential buildings in Queens will automatically receive weekly collection of leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper products. The new program will include all leaf and yard waste — which residents already collect and place out separately from trash — as well as all food scraps and food-soiled paper products, such as napkins, paper towels, and unlined plates.      

Additional Resources:      
Food Help NYC:
Free food locations including food pantries & soup kitchens.

NYC Well:
Free, confidential mental health support in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Call 888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to 65173. Mental Health For All: A comprehensive hub with helplines and services that offer a range of free, direct support to meet the needs of all New Yorkers.

Buildings After Hours:
Free in-person information session with DOB staff every Tuesday from 4 PM to 7 PM at your local borough office.
Notify NYC:
Enroll for free in New York City’s dedicated emergency public communications program.

311:
Non-emergency municipal services available online, by texting 311-692, or by calling 3-1-1 from within the City or 212-NEW-YORK outside the five boroughs. TTY service is also available by dialing 212-504-4115.          


Mayor’s Office–Community Affairs
253 Broadway 9th Fl
New York, NY 10007