Department of Buildings Advises Property Owners, Contractors, & Workers to Take Precautionary Measures During Severe Heat and Unhealthy Air Quality

For Immediate Release
July 16, 2026

***WEATHER ADVISORY***

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS ADVISES PROPERTY OWNERS, CONTRACTORS, & WORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES DURING SEVERE HEAT AND UNHEALTHY AIR QUALITY

The New York City area may experience severe weather including high temperatures reaching upwards of 90 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity and poor air quality with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting level RED between 151 and 200, which is classified as Unhealthy, today, Thursday, July 16th, and continuing through the week. Starting on Friday, July 17th, The New York City area may also experience heavy rain and thunderstorms that are currently forecasted to last through the weekend. Accordingly, DOB is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.

With low air quality forecasted, follow NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidelines to help stay safe on the job today. Employees required to work outdoors should have their outdoor exposure limited, where feasible, to the time necessary to perform essential duties, and wear a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask. Stay well hydrated and monitor yourself and coworkers for symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or unusual fatigue. Employees experiencing significant respiratory distress or other concerning symptoms should immediately notify their supervisor, seek medical attention, or call 911 if symptoms are severe.

All contractors and workers who are outside are also urged to take every precaution, and follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to prevent heat-related illness. That includes ensuring everyone on the work site stays properly hydrated, avoids prolonged sun exposure, and are taking necessary breaks.

On June 22, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 17, requiring city agencies to develop enhanced protocols during days with extreme heat. The Department of Buildings is required to send out hear notifications to the industry reminding them of their legal responsibilities to protect their workers.

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

New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.

Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition.

Department weather advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties for severe weather and cannot be read to suggest that the department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.