Evaluation of heat mitigation and adaptation behaviors in NYC during COVID-19

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rising temperatures threaten the safety of at-risk populations in cities. The threat of COVID-19 introduced new risks. METHODS: In May 2020, New York City (NYC) initiated the Get Cool NYC program, which addressed indoor heat exposure during the summer by distributing 74,000 air conditioners (ACs) to low-income seniors (60+) in private and public housing. In the fall, a survey to assess whether the ACs helped those who wished to stay home do so safely was distributed to: (1) program participants living in privately-owned housing (3,800) and (2) a group of non-eligible New Yorkers (12,029). The comparison group included section 8 tenants (55-59 years) living in private housing (NYC Department of Housing and Preservation and Development), NYC Department for the Aging clients and ineligible Get Cool applicants younger than 60. Difference in prevalence estimates across program participants and comparison respondents without AC, and within groups across years, were compared with Rao-Scott Chi-Square tests. RESULTS:The American Association for Public Opinion Research response rate 2 among program participants and non-participants was 22.2% (845 complete) and 13.5% (1,126 complete), respectively. About 35% (395) of the non-participant group did not have an AC in 2020. While COVID-19 influenced both groups, within the participant group, respondents were more likely to stay home during summer 2020 than summer 2019 (90%, CI: 88, 92 vs. 71%, 95% CI: 67, 74). In contrast, we observed no difference in the non-participant group (67% in 2019 versus 68% in 2020). Both groups took similar advantage of other city-implemented mitigation strategies, such as green space and cooling centers. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings demonstrate the need for heat intervention strategies to decrease barriers to thermal safety, providing people with a range of choices but focusing on the ability to stay home safely and in comfort for populations most impacted. KEYWORDS: Extreme Heat, Covid-19, Policy, mitigation, adaptation