Extreme Weather Events and Health impacted by Climate Change

Climate change impacts people’s health in many ways. As the climate changes and extreme weather occurs more often, weather related injuries, insect and tick-related diseases, stress, and respiratory illness may increase. Additionally, extreme weather poses a threat to the quality of our air, food, and water. Understanding and utilizing the resources available in our county that supports climate and health adaptation is crucial to keeping safe and healthy during these weather events.

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in New York State. The risk of heat-related illnesses this week ranges from moderate to extreme and dangerous for everyone. More information on risk can be found at: New York State Department of Health’s (NYSDOH) Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard.

• Extreme Heat Advice
• Heat infographics
• About Heat and Your Health
• Make a heat action plan with your doctor
• Cooling centers
• NYS heat risk and illness dashboard
• Extreme heat ready.gov
• Extreme heat cdc
• Protect yourself from Dangers of Heat

Extreme Cold

Extreme cold is a dangerous weather event when there is a rapid drop in temperature and severe wind chills that threaten human life, animals and property.  For more information click the links below:

• Extreme Cold Weather Resources
• Cold weather infographics
• Snow storms and extreme cold – Be prepared
• Be ready! Winter weather
• Winter Weather safety

Air Quality

Air quality is vital because clean air protects human health, supports ecosystems and stabilizes the global climate. Poor air quality causes illnesses and millions of premature deaths worldwide. For more information click on the links below:

• Why Air Quality Is Important
• Air quality and climate change research
• Today's Air Quality Index (AQI) Forecast for New York State
• Particle Pollution and Health
• https://www.airnow.gov/

Extreme Precipitation

Extreme precipitation events directly trigger flooding by dumping intense volumes of  water faster than the soil can absorb. For more information click on the links below ( they should match the way the links look on the Extreme Heat webpage):

• Flooding: Quick reference guide
• Residential oil spills and flooding – What homeowners need to know
• Weather emergencies: Extreme weather and flooding
• Restoring and Testing Your Private Well After a Flood
• When There is a Flood: What you Need to Know to “Protect Your Health and Safety”
• Mold and Your Home: What you Need to Know
• Protect Yourself from Animal-and Insect Related Hazards after a disaster
• Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After an Emergency
• Weather Emergencies