'Heat waves are the leading cause of weather-related deaths,’ Long Island doctor warns
Especially for vulnerable residents without reliable air conditioning.
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As Long Island prepares for a potential heat wave this week, doctors are warning that the high temperatures could pose serious health risks — especially for vulnerable residents without reliable air conditioning.
“Hot weather and heat waves are actually the leading cause of death among Americans when it comes to weather-related deaths,” said Dr. Peter McKenna, an emergency medicine physician with Stony Brook Medicine.
McKenna said homes without air conditioning can become even hotter than the outdoor temperature, creating dangerous conditions for older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and those spending extended time outside.
“When we’re talking about heat indexes of 100 degrees, 105 degrees, fans just aren’t going to cut it for you,” McKenna said. “I want everybody to take this upcoming week very seriously.”
Many Long Islanders say their go-to strategies for staying cool include drinking plenty of water, finding shade and heading to the beach or ocean.
But for renters, access to cooling is not always guaranteed.
Ian Wilder, executive director of Long Island Housing Services, said New York law sets strict requirements for heat during colder months — but offers no similar protections for cooling.
“New York state law has very, very specific rules as to how much heat you have to have during the day, during the night,” Wilder said. “There is nothing about cooling.”
Wilder advises first-time renters to carefully review lease agreements and ask whether an apartment includes air conditioning, who is responsible for installation and whether additional summer fees could increase electricity costs.
He added that tenants with disabilities affected by extreme heat may have legal protections.
“If someone has a disability that’s affected by the heat and their landlord is giving them difficulty about setting up air conditioning, that might be a fair housing complaint,” Wilder said.
